#TBT: Suzuki. A Flexible Business

In 1909, Suzuki started out building weaving looms for Japan’s silk industry.  Despite the success of the looms, after 30 years, they believed the company would benefit from diversification and they began to look at other products. Based on consumer demand, they decided that building a small car would be the most practical new venture. The project began in 1937, and within two years Suzuki had completed several compact prototype cars. These first Suzuki motor vehicles were powered by a then-innovative, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-cylinder engine. It had a cast aluminum crankcase and gearbox and generated 13 horsepower from a displacement of less than 800cc.

With the onset of World War II, production plans for Suzuki's new vehicles were halted when the government declared civilian passenger cars a "non-essential commodity." After the war, the Japanese had a great need for affordable, reliable personal transportation. Suzuki's first two-wheeled vehicle was a bicycle fitted with a motor called, the "Power Free." The new double-sprocket gear system enabled the rider to either pedal with the engine assisting, pedal without engine assist, or simply disconnect the pedals and run on engine power alone. The patent office of the new democratic government granted Suzuki a financial subsidy to continue research in motorcycle engineering and they went on to become an award-winning motorcycle company.

1955 Suzulight

By 1954, Suzuki was producing 6,000 motorcycles per month and had officially changed its name to Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. Following the success of its first motorcycles, Suzuki created an even more successful automobile: the 1955 Suzuki Suzulight. The Suzulight sold with front-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension and steering, which were not common on cars until three decades later.

In the late 1990s, many automakers looked into offering their clients a new option in SUVs. It was time to offer a SUV in a smaller design, better suited for those with outdoor lifestyles and people who simply want an alternative to the minivan. For this need, Suzuki offers the Vitara. It replaces the Sidekick. While other manufacturers created this class of vehicle based on car mechanics and frames, Suzuki chose to stick to its traditions and design the Vitara with truck-like features. The Vitara has amazing off-road capabilities. In a time when many SUVs seem to have lost their roots, this one can drive across all terrains.

We have a really beautiful Suzuki Vitara for sale here at Southern Auto Liquidators. This 2004 Yellow Vitara looks practically brand new with an amazing paint job, a super clean interior and a very well-maintained engine. It’s a really great deal! Call us today  to come take it for a test drive!

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