September Sales USA: Chrysler up 61%, Hyundai +44%, Ford +40% and GM +11%

The numbers are in for the month of September, and for the most part, they're looking good as industry wide deliveries were up 28% over a year ago according to a report from Autonews. Chrysler Group exec should be feeling extra happy as sales soared 61 percent over the same month a year ago, rising from 62,197 to 100,077 units.

Ford Motor Co, which includes the Ford, Mercury and Lincoln brands, recorded a 40 percent gain in September with sales of 160,375 units, whilst deliveries at GM climbed a far less impressive 11 percent from a year earlier to 173,031 units.

The Hyundai Group (Hyundai and Kia) had yet another solid month posting sales of 76,627 vehicles, which represents a 44 percent increase over last year.

With a few exceptions such as Suzuki, which saw its sales slide 12 percent to an embarrassing 1,641 units (even Porsche sold more cars - 1,971 units recording a 25 percent increase), and Volvo, which reported sales of 4,152 units, a 12 percent decrease from last year, most automakers posted gains:

Toyota Group (+17% - however, Lexus was down 8,9%), Honda (+26%), Mitsubishi (+5%), BMW Group (+20.5%), Mercedes-Benz Group (+15%), VW/Audi (+14%) and Nissan/Infiniti (+34%).

Source: Autonews (sub. req)

READ MORE - September Sales USA: Chrysler up 61%, Hyundai +44%, Ford +40% and GM +11%

Suzuki SX-4's Darker Side: New SZ-L Special Edition for UK Market

A new special edition version of Suzuki's SX4 small crossover called the SZ-L is being launched onto the UK market this week. What makes the SZ-L special is a styling package that adds a number of exterior and interior features.

Available in two colors, 'Silky Silver Pearl' and 'Cosmic Black', the SZ-L model comes equipped with unique gunmetal colored roof rails, front grille, alloy wheels and front and rear skid plates.

Inside, the SZ-L gets Alcantara seat trim in light gray plus a three spoke leather steering wheel with gunmetal stitch detailing and a standard six disc in dash CD changer.

The SZ-L is based on the SZ4 grade and is available only in two wheel drive layout with a 120HP-strong 1.6-liter gasoline engine matched to a manual gearbox. Suzuki claims the small crossover can accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100km/h) in 10.7 seconds and return a combined fuel economy of 45.6mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 143g/km.

Pricing is set at £13,145 and includes the cost of the metallic paint.

READ MORE - Suzuki SX-4's Darker Side: New SZ-L Special Edition for UK Market

Fire Hazard from Garmin Nuvi Prompts Recalls from Suzuki and Nissan

After Garmin announced a voluntary recall of 1.25 million units of its popular Nuvi GPS system at the end of August amidst concerns that the batteries could overheat and catch fire, Suzuki and Nissan followed with a recall on several vehicles equipped with the affected Garmin Nuvi navigation systems including the 750, 760, or 765 models for the same reason.

The recalled Garmin units can be found on certain Suzuki vehicles including the 2008-2010MY SX4 crossovers, 2010MY Grand Vitara SUVs, and 2009-2010MY Equator vehicles, and the 2008-2010MY Nissan Altima, Frontier, Pahtfinder, Rogue, Sentra, Versa and Xterra vehicles.

In both cases, the automakers will notify owners of the affected models, and the repairs will be performed by Garmin technicians who will replace the battery and insert a spacer on top of the battery free of charge.

READ MORE - Fire Hazard from Garmin Nuvi Prompts Recalls from Suzuki and Nissan

Suzuki Kizashi Concept, 2007

Suzuki Kizashi Concept, 2007

The Suzuki Kizashi Concept gives a glimpse of the direction Suzuki will be taking in the third phase of their world strategy.

Though Suzuki is known for excellence in compact cars and full-fledged four-wheel-drive sport utility vehicles, we're now getting ready to expand into full-size passenger cars, and the Suzuki Kizashi Concept highlights this exciting new initiative. In the Suzuki Kizashi Concept, strength and flexibility are combined in a way that makes the car an impressive status symbol for its owner; a car that never fails to stir the spirit.

READ MORE - Suzuki Kizashi Concept, 2007

Suzuki SXForce Concept, 2008

Suzuki SXForce Concept, 2008

The Suzuki SXForce Concept is one of the latest additions to Suzuki's media-acclaimed Suzuki LIVE Series - a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers.

Reinforcing the link between the company's rich motorcycle heritage and versatile line of fun-to-drive automobiles, the Suzuki SXForce is a sportbike-inspired concept based on all-new 2008 SX4 Sport. The SXForce boasts a powerful 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine matched to a five-speed manual transmission.

The exterior shell of the SX4 Sport has been modified to be eye-catching to both four-wheel and two-wheel enthusiasts. It features a striking blend of carbon fiber, Flash Pearl White and Orange Metallic paint and showcases a number of performance-based automotive parts and stunning motorcycle accents, including sportbike-style side rearview mirrors and dual exhaust, also found on the championship-winning GSX-R1000.


While the Suzuki SXForce Concept is sure to be a showstopper on display, it was designed to look even better on the road. This fully drivable, track-tested SX4 Sport concept receives several performance enhancements, including a fully tuned performance suspension system, F1-style outlet gills to help underhood air flow, tailored rear bodywork with carbon fiber diffuser, Carbontrix rear wing, Tein coilover suspension height and damper setup, and reinforced structure to further enhance rigidity for optimal handling. The Suzuki SXForce is outfitted with 18-inch Enkei racing wheels and a staggered high-performance Toyo T1-R tire package - 225/45-18 in the front and 235/40-18 in the rear. It also is equipped with Rotora six-piston calipers with two-piece 355mm rotors for sportbike stopping power.


The motorcycle theme continues inside the Suzuki SXForce Concept, beginning with suede and leather seats and interior appointments, mimicking sportbike leathers. Other interior enhancements include motorcycle instrument cluster and controls, roof air intake for optimal breathing and a revised track-themed interior featuring carbon fiber components and accents. Engine vitals are monitored via a Zeitronix ZT-2 wideband data logger and all vital engine parameters are logged on a laptop and viewed on the ZT-2 gauge mounted on the Hayabusa handlebars. The Suzuki SXForce is equipped with an integrated Garmin navigation system, and its rear seats have been removed and replaced by a high-output Rockford Fosgate audio system.

READ MORE - Suzuki SXForce Concept, 2008

Suzuki X-Head concept

This is yet another concept Suzuki is planning to unveil in Tokyo in a little over two week's time. According to Suzuki, the X-Head concept 'is a cross-utility vehicle that offers unprecedented possibilities', but it's also one that the automaker is likely to build for the US market, our insider source tells us.

Judging from the image, the show car is imposing, with a square utiliarian design reflecting rough-road performance and toughness. Building on the Jimny and Grand Vitara's off-road ability and the load-carrying capability of the Carry microvan, the automaker claims the concept is the 'epitome of functional dependability and fun'. Three units have been devised to fit into the concept's load bed to diversify its utility. There is a unit called the Camper, which allows two adults to sleep in comfort; a unit called the Fashion, which provides stylish urban mobility; or a unit called the Rescue, which is designed for rescue operations in a wide range of road conditions.

Related Stories:
Suzuki X-Head concept - Tokyo 2007
cardesignnews

READ MORE - Suzuki X-Head concept

Suzuki Kizashi 2 concept

Suzuki will be unveiling the Kizashi 2 concept at the forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show. An offshoot to the Kizashi concept, this latest variant takes the sedan theme further by offering a crossover sports wagon.

Conceived for energetic people in activities ranging from business to leisure, the Kizashi 2 has an emotionally appealing shape that is a bit chunkier than the svelte saloon unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. According to Suzuki, "the design reflects a dual focus on status and vitality in a way that generates excitement about its performance and heightens the pleasure of ownership".

The concept is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine - the highest-displacement engine ever used by the company - mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Suzuki is also said to be pursuing solutions such as hybrid technologies to enhance the vehicle's environmental performance.

Related Stories:
Suzuki Kizashi concept
cardesignnews

READ MORE - Suzuki Kizashi 2 concept

Suzuki Kizashi concept

Suzuki is poised to reveal three new vehicles at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but the most eagerly anticipated model is this new D-segment Kizashi concept car, an attempt to diversify its product portfolio.

Meaning 'prelude' or 'foretaste' in Japanese, the Kizashi concept is an enegetic interpretation of the saloon car. The emotionally appealing design is said to represent the first example of the third phase in Suzuki's new world strategy, which will have 'status' as its major theme.

Source: cardesignnews

READ MORE - Suzuki Kizashi concept

Suzuki Splash

Suzuki has announced its latest Splash compact car, scheduled to make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. The company claims this latest addition to the range is an all-new design that has been specifically conceived for the European market.

The production Splash bears significant changes to the concept car originally revealed at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, most noticeably in the front and rear fascias. The large headlamps and prominent grille have been toned down to achieve production feasibility, while at the rear the vertical tail lamps have been lengthened and no longer connect under the rear window.

Exterior dimensions reveal the latest addition to the Suzuki line-up seeks to compete head-on with small offerings from European carmakers. Measuring 3.7 meters long and 1.7 meters wide, the Splash slots between Fiat's diminutive Panda and the Renault Modus. And at 1.6 meters, the Suzuki's height is identical to that of Peugeot's 1007 city car.
Related Stories:
Suzuki Splash concept
cardesignnews

READ MORE - Suzuki Splash