Small Cars for a Big Future at Tokyo

LAVERTON, AUSTRALIA – October 5, 2009: Combining its worldwide expertise in small-car production with the latest environmental technologies, Suzuki will have a major presence at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show starting later this month.

Under the theme of ‘Small Cars for a Big Future’, the Suzuki stand will feature a range of concept models alongside its standard production line-up reflecting the huge future envisaged by the company for compact car evolution.

“Suzuki is committed to exploring alternative-fuel technologies and are excited to offer a glimpse at the future of environmental motoring,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

“Just like the production versions of the world-acclaimed Swift, SX4 and Grand Vitara range, these concepts are an embodiment of the unique spirit and technological prowess that have made Suzuki the leading name in compact vehicle design and production.”

Swift plug-in hybrid
Headlining the future initiatives is a plug-in hybrid version of the award-winning Swift.

Designed with everyday convenience over short distances in mind, the environmentally-friendly concept is powered by an electric motor - charged from a standard household power outlet – and mated to a petrol engine.

Unlike conventional hybrids, the Swift plug-in version is designed to be driven primarily as an electric vehicle, with the engine acting as a generator to charge the lithium-ion battery when it runs low during driving.

The Swift concept adds other features to distinguish it from the standard production model such as redesigned headlights and alloy wheels.

Inside, the Swift comes with a restyled cabin trim featuring lightweight driver and passenger seats and a clear window across the centre console to view the battery pack.

SX4 FCV
Joining the Swift is the Suzuki Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) based on the SX4 hatch.

Powered by a high-performance fuel cell that emits no pollutants – just water and heat, the state-of-the-art vehicle has undergone extensive testing on public roads, since its last exhibition at the G8 summit, with plans for the commercial production of such technologies in the future.

Unlike conventional electric vehicles, which use electricity from an external source (and store it in a battery) to propel the electric motor, FCVs create their own electricity. Fuel cells onboard the vehicle create electricity through a chemical process using hydrogen fuel and oxygen.

Hydrogen for the fuel cell is stored in a sophisticated 70 MPa tank developed by Suzuki, while a lightweight, compact capacitor captures regenerative energy under braking, which is then employed to reduce fuel cell load under acceleration.

The SX4-FCV has a fuel cell output of 80 kW and an electric motor output of 68 kW. Maximum speed is 150 km/h, with an operating range of 250 km.

Suzuki has been engaged in a research and development programme focused on fuel cell vehicles with GM since 2001. The SX4-FCV is its fourth compact fuel cell vehicle to be evaluated on Japan’s public roads.

Suzuki will also unveil two other modes of transport employing the latest fuel-cell technologies – a methanol-powered electric wheelchair called the MIO and a hydrogen-operated Burgman scooter