American Suzuki Motor Corp. invites the Web community to help design its Web site
1 November 1996
BREA, Calif. (via BUSINESS WIRE) On-line promotion, including opportunity to win cash and prizes, supports Web-site program American Suzuki Motor Corp. has devised an innovative approach to the development of its Web site -- ask the Web community what content they want in Suzuki's site before it's developed. Beginning Thursday, all visitors to Suzuki's interim home page, located at http://www.suzuki.com/, have the opportunity to contribute their creativity and content preferences toward the development of Suzuki's Web site. Plus, by simply providing their expert advice, consumers have the chance to win cash and prizes and become famous, through a supporting on-line promotion. Scheduled to premiere in the first quarter of 1997, American Suzuki Motor Corp.'s (ASMC) Web site will include information on all three of its divisions: Automotive; Motorcycles/ATVs; and Marine. This Web-site development program allows Suzuki to tailor the content of its Web site specifically to the desires of the market, rather than developing a site based on what they think consumers want. ``Today, Web sites are increasingly structured as a broadcast medium -- a way to deliver a message rather than engage in an interactive conversation,'' said Masao Nagura, president of ASMC. ``Suzuki wanted to return to the roots of the Internet and give the Web community a chance to once again join the conversation, contributing their ideas and insight before the site is developed.'' Arriving at Suzuki's interim home page, Web travelers have the option to submit their comments and suggestions to any of Suzuki's three divisions. Consumers are then asked to rank the importance of a number of different Web-site features, including company news, product information, frequently asked questions (FAQs), on-line technical help, local-dealer locator and chat room, among others. Consumers are also offered an open text field, which allows them to provide specific recommendations on what would make Suzuki's site the hottest and most effective site on the Web. To support this program, Suzuki will conduct an on-line consumer promotion. Everyone who submits a form will automatically be entered into a drawing for cash rewards or Suzuki merchandise. Prizes include 10 awards of $50, and 50 awards of a stylish Suzuki cap. In addition, consumers who submit an idea that is utilized in the site will receive a ``developer's fee'' of $100 plus the opportunity to have their picture and personal message showcased on Suzuki's site. Consumers can enter the on-line promotion via either e-mail or regular mail. All e-mail entries must be received by Nov. 30, 1996; regular mail entries must be postmarked Dec. 1, 1996, and received by Dec. 8, 1996. Award winners will be notified by late December 1996. American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC), with headquarters in Brea, markets automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs and outboard motors through an extensive dealer network in 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corp. (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, outboard motors, general-purpose engines and other products. Founded in 1920, SMC has production facilities in 28 countries and distributors in more than 170 countries. CONTACT: Rogers & Associates, Los Angeles | Ellen Leo or Dan Zukowski, 310/552-6922 | eleo@rogersassoc.com | danz@rogersassoc.com