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Video: Suzuki calls on killer snowmen to sell Kizashi
Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Suzuki

Marketing campaign for Suzuki Kizashi - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Unlike Hyundai, Suzuki isn't featuring any lesbians in its marketing campaign for the all-new Kizashi. Nope, Suzuki is instead relying on another proven technique for attention keeping: Killer snowmen.

Actually, Suzuki already has a rather large marketing campaign in play that not only includes the Killer Snowman commercial for the all-wheel drive version of the Kizashi, but another TV ad playing up the car's prowess compared to more expensive sport sedans, as well as a radio spot, print and web advertisements. The cool thing? Autoblog's actually quoted in a couple of them, specifically the radio spot and dual-page print ad that you may have already seen in the buff books this month.

Check out the whole kit 'n kaboodle after the jump, but if you really want to be sold on a Kizashi, just go drive one.
Continue reading Video: Suzuki calls on killer snowmen to sell Kizashi
Video: Suzuki calls on killer snowmen to sell Kizashi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Autoblog Podcast #168 - Geneva Eve
Filed under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Kia, Lamborghini, Lexus, Porsche, Suzuki, Volkswagen

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

The Shunk, Nunez, Abuelsamid and Roth quartet reconvene for Episode #168 of the Autoblog Podcast with the Geneva Motor Show now underway. Our first order of business is a stop at the Autoblog Garage, occupied this week by the Suzuki Kizashi, Kia Sorento, BMW 750Li, and Cadillac SRX. Anticipating the massive auto show that's just about to start, we dive right in. Starting us off is the awesome electric-green Lamborghini 570-4 Superleggera. Jumping from Italian exotics to the ultimate SUV, we talk about the 2011 Porsche Cayenne before segueing cleanly into a discussion of the crack-pipe pricing for the Volkswagen Touareg hybrid. Before we leave the VW/Porsche sphere, we talk about how insanely cool the Porsche 918 Spyder concept car is. The Ford Focus station wagon is one of those things we'll see in Geneva, but likely not in the U.S., while the Lexus CT200h is making its way to the shores of North America. BMW's 5 Series Active Hybrid Concept keeps up the cavalcade of alternative propulsion by the big Swiss lake, and it's our last topic before calling it a night. Thanks for listening!

Direct fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!
Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #168 - Geneva Eve
Autoblog Podcast #168 - Geneva Eve originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Lexus and Hummer top 2010 J.D. Power Customer Service Index Study
Filed under: Etc., Buick, Cadillac, Hummer, Jaguar, Jeep, Lexus, Mazda, Saturn, Suzuki

2010 J.D. Power CSI Study - Click above for charts

Lexus and Hummer took top honors in their respective categories in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Consumer Service Index (CSI) Study. Released this time each year, the CSI rankings (based on a 1,000-point scale) measure satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit a brand service department for maintenance or repair work during the first three years of ownership - that wonderful honeymoon phase when factory warranties are still in full effect. The study is designed to focus on five measurements: service quality, service initiation, service advisor, service facility and vehicle pick-up. The results are tabulated, and then presented as a score on a 1,000-point scale. Unlike previous years, where all brands were lumped into one single category and only three made it to the podium, JDPA broke things into two segments: luxury brands and mass market brands.

Lexus, with a score of 837, was at the top of the luxury brands, again - the automaker won last year as well. It was followed by Cadillac (827), who showed a big improvement over the previous year, and Jaguar (822). If you recall, Jaguar was at the top of the list in 2008 and finished second in 2009 (this is more indicative of a bar that continues to be raised rather than a decrease in service). Hummer (815) was top dog among mass market brands, followed by the now-discontinued brand of Saturn (808) and Buick (805). General Motors holds six of the top seven spots on the mass market category. At the bottom of the list are Suzuki (693), Mazda (717) and Jeep (720).

Overall, the industry is showing improvement as customers have expressed satisfaction with the ease of driving in and out of dealership facilities, parking convenience, thoroughness of work performed, the speed of repairs and flexibility of accommodating schedules. While that sounds like great news, experts say it most of those improvements may be attributed to the lower volumes of service bay traffic as sales slump in the new car showroom. Full release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 JD Power CSI Study

[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]
Continue reading Lexus and Hummer top 2010 J.D. Power Customer Service Index Study
Lexus and Hummer top 2010 J.D. Power Customer Service Index Study originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Nissan small car program left out in the cold after VW-Suzuki deal?
Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Nissan, Suzuki, Volkswagen

Nissan got turned out of the Chrysler house after Fiat bought the Pentastar, which ended Nissan's hopes for a jointly developed replacement for the Nissan Titan. while it's busy doing the O Solo Mio routine on the coming 2014 Titan, another potential blow to the Japanese brand is coming at the other end of the market: superminis.

Suzuki provides its Indian-market Alto for Nissan to sell in Europe as the Pixo. But with Volkwsagen recently taking a majority stake in Suzuki, many are wondering if the Pixo spigot will be turned off. The Pixo competes with Volkswagen Lupo, seemingly giving the German firm a bit of motivation to end the deal, but nevertheless, no one at Suzuki or VW has spoken on the matter.

Nissan knows it can't give up the shallow end of the market, especially with the supermini segment getting more crowded and more popular with buyers. However, Nissan already receives fewer Altos than it wants, and with VW already considering 35 joint projects with Suzuki - and Nissan certain to benefit from none of them - now could be a good day to start looking for a new small car partner regardless of the Pixo decision.

[Source: BusinessWeek]
Nissan small car program left out in the cold after VW-Suzuki deal? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: Suzuki not interested in selling larger stake to Volkswagen
Filed under: Suzuki, Volkswagen

Volkswagen currently holds a 19.9-percent stake in Suzuki, making the German automaker the largest shareholder in the much smaller Japanese automaker. Will VW try to increase its stake in Suzuki in the future? Not if it's up to Suzuki CEO Osamu Suzuki.

Automotive News reports that Suzuki (the CEO) told members of the Foreign Correspondents' Club that the company his wife's grandfather founded isn't interested in VW taking a piece of the pie "when Suzuki becomes a bigger and more successful company." Suzuki told reporters that his response to VW's request for a larger stake in the company will likely be "let's continue as we are."

Suzuki has reason for thinking about a good answer to VW's potential approach for more shares due to the fact that the German automaker is growing like a boiling wienerschnitzel. The People's Carmaker already possesses 11 brands ranging from Škoda to Lamborghini, and Suzuki says his company has no interest in becoming number 12. Good thing Suzuki said as much, since VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech has reportedly said that he was interested in growing VW's stable of brands to an even dozen.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req. | Image: Lennart Preiss/AFP/Getty]
Report: Suzuki not interested in selling larger stake to Volkswagen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Spy Shots: Americans, meet the next-gen Suzuki Swift you'll be driving
Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Hatchback, Suzuki

Sixth-gen Suzuki Swift spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki finally seems headed in the right direction: away from a lineup clogged with SUVs towards one chock full of fun-to-drive cars. The SX4 was a good start and the Kizashi, in our estimation, is a home run. But the brand that's big everywhere else in the world has one car after which we've always lusted, the Swift. You may remember the Swift from back in the day as a rebadged Geo Metro (or vice versa), but that name carried on in other global markets where it was eventually affixed to the fifth generation Swift that debuted in 2004. Think of it as a poor man's Mini.

While Americans won't get to sample the fifth-gen Swift, Suzuki has indicated that the sixth-gen model currently under development will be sold in the U.S. And here it is in three-door guise.

It's hard to believe that just ten years ago the U.S. market for automobiles was awash in trucks and SUVs, and soon we'll be knee deep in a sea of small cars like the Ford Fiesta, next-gen Chevrolet Aveo and Spark and Honda CR-Z to name a few. You can add the Suzuki Swift to that list now.

Gallery: Next-gen Suzuki Swift

[Source: CarPix]
Spy Shots: Americans, meet the next-gen Suzuki Swift you'll be driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: Suzuki breaks off alt-power partnership with GM
Filed under: Europe, Japan, GM, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials, Renault, Peugeot, Electric, Diesel
According to Reuters, Suzuki plans on ending joint development programs with General Motors next month - the two had been partnering on innovative hybrid and fuel-cell technologies. The news follows on the heels of last month's announcement that that Suzuki and Volkswagen had tied the knot (as part of that agreement, VW bought 19.9 percent of Suzuki and effectively became the automakers biggest shareholder - a position formerly held by GM). As the theory goes, it soon become clear that working with GM was no longer necessary. According to the report,

"Suzuki is in a comprehensive alliance with Volkswagen. In every field including hybrid, diesel and electric cars, we will carry out joint development with them, or we will learn from them," Osamu Suzuki, chairman and chief executive, said at the briefing in Hamamatsu, central Japan.

The new relationship with VW will also affect Suzuki's association with PSA Peugeot-Citroën and Renault SA, automakers currently supplying diesel engines to Suzuki. After all, VW brings extensive diesel engine technology to the table - making those relationships equally as moot.

[Source: Reuters]
Report: Suzuki breaks off alt-power partnership with GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales
Filed under: Car Buying, Japan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, South Korea

While it may come as no surprise that Asian car companies are constantly gaining market share in the U.S. market, the actual numbers are quite amazing. Ten years ago, companies like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and the rest accounted for a little more than one-quarter of total light-vehicle sales in the States. By 2005, that figure stood at 36.6 percent. By 2007? 41.9 percent. In 2009, Asian automakers sold a full 47.9 percent of the cars and light trucks we Americans bought.

These numbers come from the latest report by Ward's Auto. Perhaps predictably, that same dispatch tells us that American automakers were hurt the most by those Asian gains. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were once part of an American auto industry that accounted for nearly 70 percent of sales in 1999. The Detroit Three had just a 44.8 percent market share a decade later. The European automakers have also gained a bit in the U.S. over the past decade. Still, they only account for 7.3 percent of the market right now.

If the Japanese and Korean manufacturers post gains for 2010 that are similar to the 2009 increases, they will pass the 50 percent mark for the first time in history. Individually, companies like Toyota have fared the best, nearly doubling their slice of the American pie, going from 8.7 to 17 percent since 1999. While Ford shared the biggest gain last year compared to 2008, they were also one of the decade's biggest losers, dropping 8.3 percent. Maybe last year's gain is a sign of recovery for the domestic automakers, but the troubles at GM and Chrysler don't bode well for the group. Check out the full breakdown by clicking the Ward's source link below.

[Source: Ward's Automotive]
Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Auto Expo 2010: Suzuki unveils SX4 Hybrid Concept, plans for 2015 production
Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Hatchback, Suzuki, Misc. Auto Shows, India

Suzuki SX4 Hybrid Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to the cool R3 MPV, Suzuki is also showing off a new SX4 Hybrid concept vehicle at the New Delhi Motor Show. Interestingly, this SX4 uses a previously unseen hybrid system developed by Maruti Suzuki with assistance from India's National Hybrid Propulsion Program and the (deep breath) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources' High Energy Density Battery Development Program.

This new hybrid drivetrain is a full parallel system - meaning it can run on electricity alone for short distances - utilizing a 1.2-liter gasoline-burning engine with a 50 kW electric motor. Unlike many hybrids that use a CVT transmission, the SX4 is equipped with a five-speed automated manual unit. A lithium ion battery pack of unknown capacity stores the electrons.

Suzuki will be demonstrating its SX4 Hybrid during India's Common Wealth Games in October and plans to have the technology in full production as early as 2015.

Gallery: Suzuki SX4 Hybrid Concept

[Source: Suzuki | Live Images: Shrawan Raja]
Auto Expo 2010: Suzuki unveils SX4 Hybrid Concept, plans for 2015 production originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Auto Expo 2010: Suzuki shows off tidy R3 MPV concept [w/video]
Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Minivan/Van, Hatchback, Suzuki, Misc. Auto Shows, India, Design/Style

Maruti Suzuki R3 MPV Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Maruti Suzuki has unveiled its latest concept car, the R3 MPV inside New Delhi's Auto Expo 2010. Despite its small footprint, the Indian-designed vehicle actually secrets six individual seats.

MSi has yet to detail what platform underpins the R3, let alone what powertrain is inside the concept (if any), but the concept is said to provide a very good look at a forthcoming Indian-market model that could hit the country's roads within two years. Some sources are suggesting that the people mover could be motivated by anything from a Fiat-sourced 1.3-liter diesel to Suzuki's own 1.2- or 1.4-liter gasoline engines. To our eyes, it looks eerily similar to the just-previewed next-generation Opel Meriva, could the R3 be a holdover twin from the days when General Motors and Suzuki were working together more closely?

It isn't altogether clear if Maruti Suzuki will offer a production version of the R3 concept beyond India's borders, as the marque already owns upwards of 50-percent of the fast-growing market and could potentially do adequate volume just within the country's borders, especially if a bit of platform sharing is involved. Still, we can see something like the R3 playing well in the European marketplace. Do you think it would go over well in the States? Click on our high-res galleries below (thanks to Shrawan Raja for the live shots!), then make the jump to watch a video of its unveiling in New Delhi and check out the car's official press release.

Gallery: Maruti Suzuki R3 MPV Concept

Gallery: Suzuki R3 MPV concept live

[Sources: Maruti Suzuki; Youtube; IndianAutosBlog | Live Images: Shrawan Raja]
Continue reading Auto Expo 2010: Suzuki shows off tidy R3 MPV concept [w/video]
Auto Expo 2010: Suzuki shows off tidy R3 MPV concept [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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REPORT: Suzuki CEO indicates joint projects with VW to start in January
Filed under: Budget, China, Suzuki, Volkswagen, India

Volkswagen and Suzuki won't waste anytime at all in getting started on their assorted joint projects. Well, unless you count the holidays, which we'll let slide. At the launch of the new Suzuki Alto, CEO Osama Suzuki told reporters that the newly tied-at-the-hip automakers will begin "Actual, detailed execution - with our people going there and their people coming here... after January."

That first project will be a new small car that will be sold in developing countries, which may or may not be outsourced from Suzuki's Indian Maruti operations and is rumored to cost between $4,300 and $5,400.

Volkswagen has much less experience in building small cars than Suzuki, which is a leader in Japan's tiny Kei car class, and in making money with such low prices.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]
REPORT: Suzuki CEO indicates joint projects with VW to start in January originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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VIDEO: Suzuki GSX-R self-assembles, can AI be far behind?
Filed under: Videos, Suzuki, Motorcycle

Self-assembling Suzuki GSX-R - Click above to watch the video after the break

Fancy yourself mechanically inclined? Ever want to try your hand at building your own motorcycle? While some of us have rebuilt our fair share of cars over the years, we've never gone and tried the ground-up thing ourselves on a two-wheeled machine, and after watching the video embedded after the break, we think we'd rather be out riding.

A heck of a lot of work obviously went into producing this clip, which we're told was completed by a father and son team (that'd be Noah and Noah's Dad, we presume) in about 30 hours. Using a bunch of creativity and the tried-and-true stop/motion technique, the two were able to make it appear as if the Suzuki GSX-R assembles itself. Not only is it nice work, we particularly appreciate the soundtrack nod to Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer music video, itself another stop/motion classic.

[Source: YouTube via Hell For Leather]
Continue reading VIDEO: Suzuki GSX-R self-assembles, can AI be far behind?
VIDEO: Suzuki GSX-R self-assembles, can AI be far behind? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Officially Official: VW and Suzuki tie the knot
Filed under: Suzuki, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

As you can see from the image above depicting Osamu Suzuki, chairman and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corp. and Martin Winterkorn, his counterpart at Volkswagen AG, the two auto companies have agreed to link arms. Volkswagen has properly announced that it has "reached a common understanding to establish a close longterm strategic partnership" with Suzuki Motor Corporation. The union means VW will buy 19.9% of Suzuki, then Suzuki will spend half the money they just received from Volkswagen reciprocating by buying VW shares.

Beyond that, Suzuki gains access to VW technology and the comforting warmth of a hugely profitable big brother. Volkswagen gets a nearly turn-key solution to boosting its small car development and piggybacks on Suzuki's presence in India and Southeast Asia. Suzuki, and of course, VW, will remain independent, but unofficial word suggests that VW might increase its stake to 33% or more at some point down the road, which could shift the balance of power.

VW's press release is after the jump, and there will be a press conference and webcast (you'll need a user name and password to watch) at 5 p.m. with more details.

[Source: Volkswagen | Image: Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP/Getty]
Continue reading Officially Official: VW and Suzuki tie the knot
Officially Official: VW and Suzuki tie the knot originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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REPORT: Volkswagen to take 20% stake in Suzuki
Filed under: Suzuki, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials
Where there's smoke, there's fire. Though Suzuki CEO Osamu Suzuki would beg to differ, it seems that the old saying has once again been proven prescient. After a ton of rumor, innuendo and speculation on the matter along with the subsequent denials, a fresh report from Reuters indicates that Volkswagen is indeed on the verge of announcing that it's procuring a 20% stake in Suzuki.

Assuming that the news is accurate, it will cost VW roughly $2.8 billion (250 billion yen) to purchase a fifth of Suzuki. Anonymous sources (aren't they all these days) suggest that the German automaker's share in Suzuki could easily rise to a controlling thirty-percent-plus stake.

[Source: Reuters | Image: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty]
REPORT: Volkswagen to take 20% stake in Suzuki originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS is up for the Challenge
Filed under: Sedan, Suzuki, Reviews

2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Kizashi will change the way you look at Suzuki. To put it bluntly, the Kizashi is the strongest evidence yet that Suzuki's automotive division is no longer operating on autopilot in the States. And what's more, the brand is showing serious confidence. Consider the vehicles against which the automaker wants you to cross shop its Kizashi: the Acura TSX and Audi A4.

Suzuki has launched a promotion called the Kizashi Test Drive Challenge that will pay $100 to anyone who test drives a Kizashi and still decides to buy the more expensive TSX or A4. After spending some quality time with the model, we don't envy those potential Acura and Audi customers who are unprepared for how difficult their decision is going to be.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS

Photos copyright (C)2009 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS is up for the Challenge
Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS is up for the Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers
Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Acura, Audi, Suzuki

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's best to aim high, right? While most of the automotive world (ourselves included) are busy comparing the rather wonderful Suzuki Kizashi with logical competitors like the Volkswagen Jetta - not to mention larger cars like the Honda Accord, Mazda6 and Ford Fusion - it seems the Japanese automaker itself has its sights set a bit higher... all the way up to the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, point of fact.

Called the "Kizashi Test Drive Challenge" incentive program, Suzuki is offering sport sedan buyers $100 if they test drive the Kizashi first and still end up purchasing either a 2010 Audi A4 2.0T or four-cylinder 2010 Acura TSX within 10 days of the test drive. The program ends runs through January 31, 2010. Says Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations:

With styling, performance characteristics, luxury features and a new advanced All-Wheel-Drive system on par with the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, we're excited to extend this unique offer to consumers across the country, providing potential sport sedan buyers another reason to consider the all-new Kizashi-at a substantial savings. We're definitely putting Kizashi's premium without the premium moniker to the test.

Like we said, aim high. Read the full set of terms and conditions in the complete press release pasted after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonny Lieberman / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Suzuki]
Continue reading Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers
Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted
Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Honda, Suzuki, Toyota, India, Tata, Design/Style

DC Designs customized Tata Nano - Click above for image gallery

It was bound to happen. Think back to when Volkswagen Beetles infested the roads of the globe; there was no shortage of customized Bugs. Tata aims to put the world on wheels with its low-priced Nano, offering mobility to India's massive population for what many Americans just dropped on Black Friday. To stave off an impending swarm of same-same vehicles, and cash in with buyers looking to stand out, New Delhi-based Carnation Auto (not to be confused with North America's Car Nation) has teamed up with Dilip Chhabria's DC Design to offer prefab-custom options for the Nano.

The endeavor has been given the tagline, "The Artist Meets the Enabler," and it began with tarted-up offerings for the Toyota Innova, creating a car called the Innov8. If the reworked MPV is any indication, we can expect the DC Design Nano to have an interior that apes a Gulfstream, while we can all plainly see what's been done to the exterior. The Nano kit is not yet available, but Carnation says it will be ready to join the already-available Innova, Honda City, and Suzuki Swift kits in 2010. We're sure opinions abound over this visually-charged Nano, so feel free to express yourselves in the comments. Press release posted after the jump.

Gallery: DC Designs Cars

[Source: CarnationDC.com via Indian Auto Talk]
Continue reading It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted
It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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2010 Suzuki Kizashi to start under $19k
Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Suzuki

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

We liked our time behind the wheel of the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi. It drives like a little sports sedan and doesn't look half bad, and now Suzuki's newest sedan has another attractive quality: it's priced to sell. The Kizashi will start at $18,999. The base Kizashi isn't exactly a stripper model either, as power windows, doors and mirrors are standard along with a nine-speaker stereo, eight airbags, stability control and ABS.

Move up to the SE model that ranges in price from $21,499 to $22,749 and enjoy 17-inch alloys, a power driver's seat, leather steering wheel and cruise control. The next model is our personal favorite, the GTS. The sportiest of Kizashi models comes with a six-speed manual or a performance-tuned CVT (get the manual) for $22,499 to $24,849. Among its standard features are an up-level 425-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system with ten speakers, Bluetooth audio capability, hands free calling and voice command. Also standard are 18-inch wheels and a power moon roof. The top-shelf SLS model ranges from $24,399 to $26,749 and includes luxury amenities like heated leather seats, a universal garage door opener, auto head lamps, proximity sensors and rain sensing wipers.

All of the aforementioned prices are subject to Suzuki's $735 destination and shipping charge.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

[Source: Suzuki]
Continue reading 2010 Suzuki Kizashi to start under $19k
2010 Suzuki Kizashi to start under $19k originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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SEMA 2009: Custom Suzuki Kizashi models impress, upset
Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Budget, Sedan, Performance, Japan, Suzuki

Delta Tech Engineering Suzuki Kizashi - Click above image for high-res gallery

We totally dig the new 2010 Suzuki Kizashi. It's a bold step forward for Suzuki and (hopefully) a harbinger of great things to come, which also happens to be what "Kizashi" means. However, the looks are a little, well... not outstanding. Not that it's particularly bad-looking (it ain't), but what if it were a little more... special? SEMA to the rescue!

We've got a trio of modded Kizashis for you to peruse down in the gallery, but how about some background info up front? First up is Delta Tech Engineering's car which might be our favorite. Delta Tech specializes in lighting and every light on the car is either LED or HID. Even though big mouth-look grilles are on the way out fashion-wise, we like the snout on this guy. We also like the fact that it has a cold air intake, custom exhaust and Koni coilovers.

While we just said that the Delta Tech Engineering might be our favorite Kizashi, the Road Race Motorsports Platinum Edition Kizashi pushes all the right buttons with an even more aggressive body kit. It also features a custom air intake, engine management system and data logger. You also get 13-inch slotted rotors up front (though "only" 10-inches out back). Custom springs, sway bars and chassis stiffeners round the package out.

[UPDATE: We wrongly identified Westside's Kizashi as Import Tuner's car. A total mistake on our (my) part. Sorry 'bout that.]

Lastly, we've got Westside's custom Kizashi - a car we just can't wrap our heads around. From the Frankenstein's Monster neck-bolts as exhaust tips to the bizarre two-tone paint job to the Jianghuai GIGANTIC grill, we're totally, 100% not in love. And that's that.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Suzuki Kizashi Customs
SEMA 2009: Custom Suzuki Kizashi models impress, upset originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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REPORT: Suzuki CEO nips VW tie-up rumors in the bud
Filed under: Suzuki, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Those constant rumors that Volkswagen may acquire a 10-percent stake in Suzuki all have one thing in common: they all emanate from the Volkswagen side of the coin. Naturally, no such deal can be completely one-sided, and whenever given the opportunity Suzuki has consistently denied that there's any truth to the speculation.

Osamu Suzuki, chief executive at the Japanese automaker that bears his name, has once again conclusively stated that there is no impending tie-up between the two automakers:

There's a saying that there's no smoke where there's no fire, but you're all creating smoke where there's no fire in this case. There's been nothing on this (Volkswagen ties) from our side.

All smoke and no fire? We'll know soon enough - rumor has it that the deal, if it exists at all, will take place before the end of the year.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]
REPORT: Suzuki CEO nips VW tie-up rumors in the bud originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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