Suzuki Commits to Voluntary Auto Industry Effort to Increase Crash Compatibility for Greater Occupant Safety

- Suzuki Joins Other U.S. Automakers to Voluntarily Develop Industry Requirements for Compliance -

BREA, Calif., Dec. 4 -- American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) today announced its participation in a new voluntary automotive industry safety program committed to enhancing vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility and occupant safety. Rather than wait for federally imposed crash compatibility regulations, Suzuki proactively joined with other U.S. vehicle manufacturers and distributors to voluntarily implement new crash compatibility compliance criteria.

The new commitment focuses on designing vehicles to conform to engineering criteria that will enhance occupant safety in front-to-front and front-to-side crashes by enhancing crash compatibility between new vehicles

Manufacturers participating in the commitment will address compatibility in front-to-front crashes by enhancing the geometric matching of front structural components of pick-up trucks, vans and SUVs. By September 1, 2009, 100 percent of the vehicles of participating manufacturers will meet the new criteria. The 2004 Suzuki Vitara V6, Grand Vitara and XL-7 all currently conform to the specified engineering criteria for this type of collision.

To address compatibility in front-to-side crashes, Suzuki and other manufacturers will incorporate new occupant protection technologies and designs in their vehicles. Available new vehicle features that manufacturers can choose from to meet the new performance criteria include side-air bags, curtain air bags and revised side-impact structures. By September 1, 2007, at least 50 percent of the vehicles of participating manufacturers will meet the front-to-side performance criteria. By September 1, 2009, 100 percent of the vehicles of participating manufacturers will meet the criteria.

"American Suzuki is proud to be one of the pioneering automakers to voluntarily commit to enhancing crash compatibility for greater occupant safety," said ASMC President Rick Suzuki. "Our customers' safety is a top priority for Suzuki and joining this effort will ensure our vehicles are equipped with another layer of safety technology."

Also under the vehicle compatibility commitment, Suzuki will participate in a synergistic auto manufacturer effort to investigate opportunities for research that can lead to future safety improvements in both crash compatibility and other aspects of occupant protection in vehicle-to-vehicle crashes.

Suzuki has already received recognition for the safety of its vehicles, most recently the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest overall rating of "good" in its 40-mph frontal offset crash test of the 2003 Suzuki Aerio and the 2003 Suzuki XL-7. The Aerio went on to be designated a "Best Pick" in the competitive small car category.

About American Suzuki

The Automotive Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), in Brea, Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets automobiles in the United States through a network of more than 467 automotive dealerships in 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 141 distributors in 127 countries.