(from Suzuki Press Release) Suzuki Concept Kizashi, the World Premiere. The Third Phase of Suzuki's World Strategy
With the Swift, Suzuki began the first phase of its world strategy and gave undiluted form to the attribute that was the theme of the first phase: sportiness.
The Swift won awards around the world by virtue of its superior dynamics and design. Suzuki subsequently pursued sportiness in the Grand Vitara and SX4, and both cars enjoy enormous success.
The Splash is making its world debut at the 2007 Frankfurt show and will become the first model in the second phase of Suzuki's world strategy. In this phase, the theme is families. Having focused on sportiness in the first phase, enhancing Suzuki's image in the process, Suzuki is now building upon what they have already achieved while refocusing on its main traditional strength: family-oriented user-friendliness. The next model coming after the Splash is the next-generation Alto, which combines environmental compatibility with agility.
The D-segment initiative which is now being revealed represents the beginning of the third phase of the world strategy. The main objective of this phase is status. The brand has developed to such an extent that it's able to communicate status, and Suzuki has overcome the great challenge of making cars that give their owners a feeling of status.
Why is Suzuki Entering the D-Segment?
Suzuki has made a name for itself in the compact car and sport utility vehicle segments. Its customers spread in 168 countries and regions around the world. The annual sales have shown steady growth, rising from about 1,654 thousand units in fiscal 1997 to an estimated 2,405 thousand units in fiscal 2007.
Under the mid-term five-year plan, Suzuki is targeting sales of 3 million units in fiscal 2009 (the last year of the plan). The Japanese carmaker achieved consolidated sales of 3 trillion yen in fiscal 2007, meaning that the company is close to a mid-ranking position in the worldwide motor industry.
Another major factor behind the D-segment entry is to more fully exploit the high level of Suzuki's technological competence and thus enhance its brand image.
© Source: seriouswheels
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Described as a "crossover sports wagon," the midsize Kizashi 2 rides on 22-inch wheels and tires. It is powered by a DOHC 3.6-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The current production version of that engine, which is used in the XL7 utility vehicle, delivers 252 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Suzuki says the Kizashi 2 is also designed to accommodate a hybrid powertrain.
