2000 - Globalisation

2000

Sep

XL-7 7-seater sport utility vehicle with a 2.7-litre V6 engine debuts

2001

Jan

Liana (Aerio) passenger car debuts

Feb

Wagon R ASV-2 becomes first mini-vehicle to be approved by Japan’s Ministry of     Land, Infrastructure and Transport for studies on advanced vehicle safety

Oct

Suzuki and General Motors agree to cooperate on fuel cell technologies

Nov

SNZ is the first 100% Suzuki-owned subsidiary in the world to be run without a resident Japanese Managing Director

Chevrolet Cruze passenger vehicle jointly developed by Suzuki and General Motors

Liana (Aerio) Sedan passenger vehicle debuts

2002

Despite feasibility studies requested by SMC, for relocating the company to Auckland, Suzuki New Zealand stays in Wanganui as these establish there are no real benefits in moving northward

Jan

Aggregate global sales of Suzuki cars reach 30 million units

Jun

650 Burgman large scooter debuts

Jul

Suzuki develops the first direct-injection turbo engine for mini-vehicles

Suzuki and Fiat agree on joint development of new sport utility vehicle

Oct

Suzuki receives ministerial approval to test fuel-cell car on public roads

2004

Jan

Aggregate sales of Suzuki mini-vehicles in Japan reach 15 million units

Feb

20 year celebrations for Suzuki New Zealand

Nov

New Swift compact car debuts

2005

May

New Grand Vitara compact 4x4 vehicle debuts

Nov

Swift wins 2005–2006 Japan Car of the Year “Most Fun” award and 2006 RJC Car of the Year award

2006

SX4 crossover sport utility vehicle jointly developed by Suzuki and Fiat debuts

Boulevard M100R debuts

Oct

XL7 midsize crossover sport utility vehicle with a 3.6-litre V6 engine debuts in U.S.

2007

Jul

SX4 SedanSX4 Sedan compact car debuts

2008

Jan

Suzuki enters the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC)

Jun

Aggregate global sales of Swift reach 1 million units

Oct

New Alto compact car debuts