Suzuki Opens Pennsylvania Parts Distribution and Training Center

    MECHANICSBURG, Pa.--Nov. 21, 2002--American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) significantly strengthens its investment in the United States and support for its U.S. dealer network with tomorrow's opening of a 120,000-square foot parts distribution, sales and service training facility in Mechanicsburg, six miles south of Harrisburg and 200 miles west of Philadelphia.
    The project, known as the American Suzuki Motor Corp. East Parts Distribution Center, represents the second major Suzuki facility to open in the United States in six months. In May 2002, Suzuki officially added its name to the list of "made-in-America" manufacturers with the christening of a $50 million ATV manufacturing plant in Rome, Ga., near Atlanta.
    Up to 40 team members will work at the 13.8-acre Mechanicsburg facility, which encompasses a regional parts distribution warehouse, technical and managerial training facilities and sales and service offices for Suzuki's Automotive, Motorcycle/ATV, Marine, and Parts and Accessories divisions. A total of 563 Suzuki dealers in the company's 16-state Eastern region will be served by the new facility.
    "We're delighted to become a permanent member of the central Pennsylvania community -- and to intensify our commitment to the U.S. market," said Rick Suzuki, president of American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC), which will operate the Mechanicsburg facility.
    "Not only will this new, state-of-the-art facility support local jobs, it will solidify our support for Suzuki's growing regional network of automotive, motorcycle/ATV and marine dealers stretching from Maine to Virginia."
    The facility will receive automotive, motorcycle/ATV and marine parts and accessories, with projected sales at $60 million for 2003, from Japan through the Port of Los Angeles, Europe and Canada and from U.S.-based parts suppliers.
    From there, Genuine Suzuki Parts and Accessories will be shipped directly to dealers in Suzuki's 16-state Eastern region (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio) -- and cross-shipped nationally.
    According to Steve Stepp, Suzuki's regional parts distribution manager, based in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania was chosen due to its central location and ability to optimize parts delivery and distribution times to Suzuki dealers throughout the East.
    "The new facility enables us to dramatically improve our delivery times to dealers to rank among the best in the industry," Stepp said. "This is fast becoming an important competitive advantage for American Suzuki."
    During the Nov. 22 ceremonies, Suzuki East Parts Distribution Center employees will donate a fully accessorized 500cc 2003 Suzuki Vinson ATV to Mechanicsburg's Upper Allen Township Fire Department as an example of the company's philosophy of direct involvement in the communities in which it operates.
    "We intend to not only work here, but become part of the local community," said Stepp, who was recruited by ASMC from Mechanicsburg to manage this facility. "Mechanicsburg is our home."

    About ASMC

    The Motorcycle, Automotive and Marine Divisions of American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC), with headquarters in Brea, Calif., market more than 65 products through a U.S. dealer network totaling more than 1,700 dealerships in 49 states. Suzuki began marketing motorcycles in the United States in 1963; in 1977, American Suzuki added its Marine Division and began marketing outboard motors.
    The Automotive Division of ASMC was formed in 1985. ASMC's parent corporation, Suzuki Motor Corp. (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, automobiles, outboard motors, small engines, power equipment, industrial machinery and prefabricated housing.
    Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it is based in Hamamatsu, and has 149 distributors in 190 countries.
    Journalists can access the American Suzuki media Web site at www.media.suzuki.com.

    Note to Editors: Images of the American Suzuki Motor Corp. East Parts Distribution Center are available at http://www.media.suzuki/mc.