Suzuki Announces August Sales and Best Year-to-Date Since 1988

3 September 1998

    BREA, Calif., Sept. 2 -_ American Suzuki Motor Corporation
(ASMC) reported U.S. sales of 2,435 for the month of August, representing a
16.8 percent decline in its monthly sales compared to 2,927 in 1997.  So far
in 1998, American Suzuki has sold 25,733 automobiles representing a
28.4 percent increase over the same period last year when the total was 20,047
_ making this the best year-to-date since 1988.
    The August sales decline was caused by low inventories in preparation for
the arrival of 1999 models including the Esteem line and the all-new Grand
Vitara, August sales represent the first time in 1998 American Suzuki monthly
sales failed to top last year's levels.
    American Suzuki dealers started the month with 80 percent of normal
inventory levels to make room for 99models.  The inventory situation began to
improve in late August when Esteem and Grand Vitara shipments began and will
continue to improve in September as more 1999 models arrive in dealerships.
    "We're anticipating a substantial increase in September and strong sales
through the end of the year led by the new V6 Grand Vitara _ demand is solid,
dealer inventories are growing and consumer interest is strong _ this will be
a big year for us," said Gary Anderson, vice president sales and marketing,
American Suzuki Motor Corporation.
    The Automotive Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea,
Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC).  ASMC markets
automobiles in the United States through a network of 300 automotive
dealerships in 49 states.
    ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation based in Hamamatsu, Japan,
is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer.  Founded in 1920, SMC has
134 distributors in 175 countries.

                      American Suzuki Motor Corporation
                             Month End Reporting

                                    AUGUST                      CYTD
                              1998          1997         1998          1997
    SIDEKICK:*                 552           588        4,473         3,526
    SIDEKICK IMP:               29           374          275           430
    SPORT:                     643         1,177        7,928         7,898
    GRAND VITARA:              227             0          227             0
    SWIFT:                     149           129        1,478           983
    ESTEEM:                    776           475       10,831         5,011
    X-90:                       59           184         5212         2,199
    TOTAL:                   2,435         2,927       25,733        20,047

    TRUCK
      DOMESTIC TRUCK:          552           588        4,473         3,524
      IMPORT TRUCK:            958         1,735        8,951        10,529
      TOTAL TRUCK:           1,510         2,323       13,424        14,053

    CAR
      DOMESTIC CAR:            149           129        1,478           982
      IMPORT CAR:              776           475       10,831         5,012
      TOTAL CAR:               925           604       12,309         5,994

    TOTAL DOMESTIC:            701           717        5,951         4,506
    TOTAL IMPORT:            1,734         2,210       19,782        15,541
    GRAND TOTAL:             2,435         2,927       25,733        20,047

    * Includes Samurai Data