SUZUKI FAN » Volkswagen

Suzuki Freshens Existing Product While Waiting For Volkswagen Assimilation

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:11:30 +0000

Suzuki Freshens Existing Product While Waiting For Volkswagen Assimilation

Some 50 United States Suzuki dealers may have just taken buyouts from the Japanese automaker, but company executives continue to say there are no plans to pull out of the market. Things are looking up for the Japanese automaker, which just sold a 19.9-percent stake to Volkswagen, with product integration between the two marques on the horizon.

Here’s what we know about Suzuki’s upcoming product plans:

Swift: Although the all-new 2011 Swift was initially intended to be launched in the U.S. later this year, Sukuki’s new tie-up with Volkswagen, combined with unpredictable exchange rates, have delayed the hatchback by a year. The Swift will only be sold in Japan and Europe until Suzuki officials are confident the automaker can turn a profit by offering the vehicle Stateside.

Kizashi: Although Suzuki had planned to offer a V-6 engine in its midsize Kizashi sedan, plans have changed. General Motors’ sale of its 20-percent stake in the Japanese automaker to VW resulted in the loss of the rights to the V-6. Not only did Suzuki lose the V-6 when it parted ways with GM, but it also lost access to a GM hybrid powertrain that was potentially destined for the sedan.

For 2011, just one year into its model run, the top GTS and SLS trim levels are set to receive a new front fascia with a lower grille. A sport package, consisting of body enhancements, a sport tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, and an upgraded interior, will become available for 2011.

Equator: No more than a rebadged version of the Nissan Frontier, the midsize pickup’s destiny relies solely on Suzuki’s relationship with its Japanese competitor. The Nissan pickup, now in its second generation, debuted five years ago, and isn’t due for a redesign for another few years.

Grand Vitara: Suzuki will continue to offer its small SUV for the 2011 model year, but its recent split with GM will force it to discontinue a V-6 powerplant. The sole engine option is a 2.4-liter I-4, which makes 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque.

SX4: The SX4, marketed as a Mini Cooper fighter, will most likely be redesigned for the 2012 model year. In the interim, Suzuki has given the three model variants a slight update for the 2011 model year and slashed pricing on its Sportback version by $1500, bringing its sticker price down to the mid-$16,000s.

Suzuki and VW are eagerly looking for ways to integrate vehicle technologies across platforms, but we’re told not to expect the first co-developed vehicles to become available for at least five years. What you like to see from the two automakers? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.

Source: Automotive News via automobilemag

Maruti Suzuki to help VW roll out sub-Rs 4 lakh car

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 02:23:46 +0000

Maruti Suzuki to help VW roll out sub-Rs 4 lakh car

New Delhi: The global partnership forged between Japan’s Suzuki Motor Corp (SMC) and Germany’s Volkswagen (VW) in December last year is now panning out in India. Industry sources said Maruti Suzuki India, which is majority-owned by SMC, would help VW develop an all-new small car, priced below Rs 4 lakh, and in return get expertise for manufacturing diesel engines from VW or directly sourcing engines from the German auto major.

VW currently has two budget models—the VW Polo (1.2 litre) with the base version priced at Rs 4.42 lakh and the Skoda Fabia (1.2 litre petrol), which sells for Rs 5.08 lakh.

The two companies had announced a global partnership in December which allowed Volkswagen a 19.9% stake in SMC. The two companies are keen to explore synergies in emerging markets, particularly India, and especially on the cost front.

Suzuki Motor chairman Osamu Suzuki, who is scheduled to visit India later this month, is likely to discuss various possible synergy options with Volkswagen officials. It is learnt that following his visit, the two companies will make at least three major announcements on joint product development, contract manufacturing and other important synergies.

India-specific plans will form a major part of the announcements. VW has already started work on developing a new small car that would be priced below to be positioned in the mass-market segment. It is in the development of this car that Maruti would come to its aid since the latter’s expertise in making compact cars is immense. Development of a cost-efficient small car for companies like VW is significant at this stage since the global market is shifting towards compact cars.

When contacted, a Maruti Suzuki spokesperson said, “Specific plans are still being discussed by Suzuki Japan and Volkswagen Europe. However, nothing has been finalised yet”. Volkswagen India’s communication head Kurt Rippholz also declined to comment on Suzuki-Volkswagen synergies.

Top Volkswagen executives had visited Maruti’s factories in Gurgaon in May this year and met its top brass to explore synergies. The companies are exploring synergies in areas such as product design and product testing, evaluation or part-designing of future models and special projects.

Suzuki is keen on getting VW’s technology, particularly smaller diesel engines. Maruti will get access to Volkswagen’s diesel technology, which at present is the Indian auto major’s weakness. Apart from access to diesel technology, Maruti will get more access to European market where the market is moving increasingly to cheap

Source:financialexpress

2012-2013 Volkswagen Polo Suv (VW Rocktan)Based on Next Gen Suzuki SX4 rendering

admin — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 02:41:29 +0000

2012-2013 Volkswagen Polo Suv (VW Rocktan)Based on Next Gen Suzuki SX4 rendering

I just found a rendering of this car some where.but don’t get serious at this picture because this car is still in developement……

below is Text from http://autoten.com/2010/05/17/2012-volkswagan-rocktan-rendering-and-information/

The agreement with Volkswagen and suzuki cooperation. The first ideas that begin to form is about to create urban croosover . the car will be Nissan Juke competitor and Would be based on the next generation of Suzuki SX4 that suzuki was planed to hit market early 2012 ( date of release may be change whem VW buy stake in Suzuki), as the current car is Suzuki build in Hungary and China.
The current car is sent as OEM to fiat to sell as Fiat Sedici but when Fiat have agreement with Crysler they will build thier own sedici replacement

Actualy now Volkswagan have their B-segment crossover call Cross Polo that position same as SX4 autoten.com suggest that Suzuki may upsize, up price and upgrade quality of the new SX4 about 2,000-3,000 euro per varient.

The Volkswagen version of suzuki SX4 will be name Volkswagan Rocktan
but this name may change after that . Currently in Wolfsburg is researching what is necessary to meet a 5-star crash test . consider their own engines under the hood to fit. Examples include the 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI 140hp diesel units and the 1.4 TSI with 122 hp. the car will compet with other compact crossovers like the Nissan Juke and Toyota Urban Cruiser

Some media report that the car will also compet with the Nissan Qashqai which have amazing sales, Nissan actually can not keep up production. The idea is to produce the car with a common platform for both to save costs, Volkswagen would benefit from cooperation at the level of industrial development, Suzuki is more likely in the mechanical field

source: autoten

Suzuki and Volkswagen may make some solid global announcements in the next six to eight months

admin — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 07:04:54 +0000

Suzuki and Volkswagen may make some solid global announcements in the next six-to-eight months

Suzuki Motor will not share its car platforms in India with Volkswagen, which holds a 20% stake in the Japanese carmaker, a senior official said on Wednesday.

“There is no possibility of platform sharing (with Volkswagen) as the German company’s production and product development costs are very high and that could make our business unviable,” Shinzo Nakanishi, MD and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, told ET.

In fact, the association between the two carmakers may be limited to sharing production facilities for contract manufacturing.

“There is a possibility of an original equipment manufacturing deal with Volkswagen, like the way we have with Nissan which sells hatchback A-Star as the Pixo in Europe,” said Mr Nakanishi.

The move may upset Europe’s largest carmaker’s ambitious plans for India, one of the fastest-growing auto markets in the world.

When Volkswagen picked up a 19.9% stake in Suzuki Motor Corp for $2.5 billion last year, the two companies said they would explore possibilities of vehicle development and joint production.

After all, one clear reason for the deal was Suzuki’s strong presence in India, a crucial market if Volkswagen were to reach its goal of becoming the world’s largest carmaker.

Volkswagen has been looking at controlling costs by harnessing Suzuki’s production practices and generating volumes in the small car segment as global market shift towards compact cars.

Now, it may have to do it the harder way.

Mr Nakanishi said the European firm can learn a lesson or two in frugal manufacturing from Maruti. “Volkswagen’s cost of products is high whereas Maruti’s product management costs are very low; so they can learn from us,” he said.

But Maruti Suzuki does not want to tap Volkwagen India’s facilities to overcome its current capacity crunch. “They are too expensive,” said Mr Nakanishi.

He, however, said Suzuki and Volkswagen may make some solid global announcements in the next six-to-eight months. Some project may come out by the end of this year or early next year. “It takes time as both companies are very big, so to find synergy is not easy. They are doing some discussions,” Mr Nakanishi said.

Top Volkswagen executives had visited Maruti’s factories in Gurgaon in May this year and met its top brass to explore synergies. The companies are exploring synergies in areas such as product design — not necessarily joint development and sharing of models — and product testing, evaluation or part-designing of future models and special projects.

While Suzuki is keen on getting Volkswagen’s technology, particularly smaller diesel engines, the German firm is interested in Maruti Suzuki’s expertise in high volume production at a very competitive cost and efficiency.

At the time of announcing the deal, analysts and auto experts had said that the German company will look to ride on Maruti’s formidable small car core competence in joint product development and purchasing synergies.

source: economictimes

Maruti Suzuki may produce car for Volkswagan

admin — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 06:48:53 +0000

Maruti Suzuki may produce car for Volkswagan

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) said on Wednesday that it may look to manufacture cars for Volkswagen’s global market on a contract basis, similar to its current agreement with Nissan.

The domestic passenger car market leader also said that European exports for the year are expected to be down 20-30 per cent and it is identifying other export markets to fill the gap. Last year, it exported 1.2 lakh units to Europe.

Speaking at the sidelines of the launch of the Alto K10 – a longer and more powerful version of the current Alto 800cc, Mr Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, MSIL, said, “The talks with Volkswagen are going on at a global level and there is still no clear picture. There is a possibility of an OEM (original equipment manufacturing) supply contract with them, like we have with Nissan.”

Company officials have earlier said that Volkswagen has sent teams to MSIL’s facilities to review the cost-competitive manufacturing facilities of the company in the Gurgaon region. In December last year, German automaker Volkswagen had bought a 19.2 per cent stake in MSIL’s parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, for $2.5 billion – fuelling rumours of platform sharing and partnerships across markets. While Suzuki is understood to be an expert in small cars, Volkswagen has more experience in larger cars and diesel engines.

Currently, MSIL has a three-year contract with Nissan to manufacture and export the Pixo (derived from the A-Star) to European markets. The contract for a minimum of 35,000 units a year is said to expire in 2011.

Asked about a capacity constraint faced by the company at its plants, Mr Nakanishi said that MSIL is trying to advance the expansion of the Manesar plant from 2012 and is also asking its vendors to invest in creating more capacity. “This year we hope to produce at least 20 per cent more than the installed capacity. We are already producing over 100 per cent,” he said.

“MSIL has an order backlog on seven to eight models, which adds up to around 15-20 per cent of its total sales,” an official said. Maruti has an installed capacity of 10 lakh units a year, but produces around 27,000 more through efficiency in manufacturing. The expansion at Manesar, part of the Rs 1,700-crore investment plan which includes the engine plant, will add capacity of 2.5 lakh units a year.

MSIL’s new launch in the lower end of the A2 segment, the Alto K10, is priced at Rs 3.03 lakh (Lxi) and Rs 3.16 lakh (Vxi). Building on the success of its largest selling Alto brand, the new car has a longer wheelbase, exterior and interior design changes, a new transmission and braking system. It is powered by the A-star’s 1-litre K Series engine, which delivers a fuel efficiency of 20.2 kmpl, the company said.

Company officials said that Maruti has spent around Rs 70 crore on the development of the new car, besides Rs 30 crore spent by its vendors. With many features packaged at a competitive price, it expects the new car to add incremental volumes of 25-30 per cent to the Alto brand. The company sold 2.4 lakh Altos in 2009-10.

Mr Nakanishi said the Alto K10 will be exported to Indonesia and other neighbouring countries only, as only a right-hand drive version has been developed.

source: thehindubusinessline

Maruti Suzuki to Fellow japanese parent to cooperative with Volkswagen,a final picture will emerge in two to three months

admin — Sun, 23 May 2010 03:49:26 +0000

Maruti Suzuki to Fellow japanese parent to cooperative with Volkswagen,a final picture will emerge in two to three months

German car major Volkswagen is in advanced stages of negotiations with Maruti Suzuki for joint engagements on a number of areas, which are still evolving, and these talks would be formalised in a few months. Joerg Mueller, chief representative of the VW group in India, told TOI that the companies were trying to thrash out areas where partnerships and joint strategies could be worked out for the Indian market. The seriousness of the talks is evident considering that a number of VW officials have already visited the factories of Maruti in Haryana.
“Yes, I can confirm that representatives from VW’s international office as well as Indian operations have visited Maruti’s facilities,” he said, though promptly adding that “it is normal for people to visit each other considering our global partnership”. Maruti officials are also believed to have visited the premises of VW India, though a company spokesperson declined comments.

two company could be looking car at pricing between Rs 3-4.5 lakh

The proposals are being studied at Volkswagen headquarters and a final picture will emerge in two to three months,” He added “We still need to look at the Up! concept because small cars form the biggest segment in India, around 50% of the market, he said. Should the model be considered for the India market, the company could be looking at pricing it between Rs 3-4.5 lakh”.

It may be noted that experts and market analysts had believed that VWs interest in Suzuki came precisely due to its stronghold on the Indian market through Maruti. In almost all major markets including China, VW, has been a late entrant in the fat growing Indian car market where it currently has a negligible presence. After the German car company bought a near 19.1% stake in Maruti’s Japanese parent Suzuki.

Admin

VW, SuzukiTo Co-Develop 1-Liter Cars

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:18:48 +0000

VW, SuzukiTo Co-Develop 1-Liter Cars

HAMBURG, Germany (Nikkei)–Capitalizing on its 19.9% stake in Suzuki Motor Corp. (7269) , Volkswagen AG aims to develop 1-liter cars with its Japanese partner and provide hybrid technology as part of their operating alliance. HA

The plans were unveiled here Thursday by Volkswagen Chairman Martin Winterkorn at a general shareholders meeting. T

Volkswagen, which agreed to a capital and operating tie-up with Suzuki late last year, acquired its interest in January and is now top shareholder.

The 1-liter vehicles will be developed together by both companies and sold under each of their brands, Winterkorn said. Timetables, target markets and other specifics were not disclosed. But 1-liter autos are a promising field, with demand expected to grow in European and other advanced countries, as well as emerging markets.

Winterkorn added that Volkswagen could supply its environmentally friendly technologies, including hybrid systems and low-emission diesel engines, for the SX4 sport utility vehicle and other Suzuki offerings sold in Japan, Asia and Europe.

Suzuki’s superior subcompact expertise and strong customer base in Asia and India will be an advantage for Volkswagen, Winterkorn said. Suzuki will also benefit from using Volkswagen’s green technology, he said. Su

The chairman reiterated that Volkswagen is targeting global sales of more than 10 million units worldwide by 2018. It is also eying a pretax profit margin of at least 8%, up from last year’s 1%. By continuing with such efforts as modularizing autoparts, Volkswagen is aiming for a 20% reduction in the cost of developing and manufacturing cars, Winterkorn said. The chairman reiterated that Volkswagen is targeting global sales of more than 10 million units worldwide by 2018.

what suzukifan say: we think this car will price lower than the a segment and cheppest suzuki alto that now sale in europe. the car may be transform from a VW up concept

source: Nikkei

Maruti Suzuki New models lanuch in 2010 (update1)

admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:31:19 +0000

Maruti Suzuki New models lanuch in 2010 (update1)

yesterday we see Ndtv report that VW will get the re badge version of Suzuki Ritz and New wagonR http://beta.profit.ndtv.com/news/show/volkswagen-suzuki-may-use-maruti-models-in-india-36597 suzukifan humble openion that Suzuki Ritz and New wagonR for VW is quite strange. in the news said the car will pricer by 3-5 % and get more premium
interior material. suzukifan think it;s is slim posibility this rebadge happen in real.
suzukifan see that more possibility that VW will use platform of Suzuki to build the VW UP concept that include KB series engine and suspension exchange to TSI engine ,DSG gearbox and hybrid technology but that news are rumore.

confirm now is Suzuki will modifly F8d engine to meet bharat 4 norm and pirce cheper than current one. the car will officially launch in next few month

and many media report that Suzuki will lauch Cervo in India by end 2010 to price at Estilo range. http://suzukifan.com/2010/02/01/maruti-suzuki-is-all-set-to-launch-its-compact-car-maruti-cervo-which-will-hit-the-indian-roads-by-the-end-of-2010/

stay tune for Maruti Suzuki New models lanuch in 2010 (update2) here in next 2 day
Admin

Auto-industry forces combine

admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:58:22 +0000

Auto-industry forces combine

Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA of France announced a business and capital tie-up agreement with Daimler AG of Germany on April 7. In December, Suzuki Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG of Germany struck a capital tie-up deal. The auto industry is undergoing sweeping transformation as markets in developed countries show signs of shrinking and demand for environment-friendly cars grows.

The Volkswagen-Suzuki alliance is now the world’s No.1 in terms of the number of units sold (8,644,000 cars in 2009), Toyota Motor Corp. the No. 2 (7,810,000 units) and the Nissan-Renault- Daimler alliance the No. 3 (7,636,000 units). Toyota, which became the No. 1 automaker in 2008, is now making strenuous efforts to rebuild its reputation after the damage suffered from recall problems. The Volkswagen-Suzuki and Nissan-Renault-Daimler alliances show that the carmakers are trying to become more competitive by utilizing each other’s technological strengths.

For example, Daimler, which enjoys strong brand recognition for its large luxury cars, is lagging behind in the development of fuel-efficient compact cars and electric cars but its low-pollution diesel engines are attractive to Nissan and Renault. Nissan is strong in the development of electric cars.

Suzuki hopes to strengthen its “green” technology by utilizing Volkswagen’s expertise on hybrid and electric cars. Volkswagen wants to further strengthen its presence in emerging economies by utilizing Suzuki’s superior knowledge of low-priced minicars. Suzuki has a strong presence in India, while Volkswagen is strong in China.

As governments try to fight global warming and reduce reliance on oil, fuel-efficient and environment-friendly cars will be of greater importance to the car industry. (Europe, for example, will introduce strict regulations on carbon dioxide emissions in 2012.) For carmakers, it will be essential to be flexible and have the ability to adapt to meet the needs of individual customers and society as a whole.

source: japan time

VW may join Suzuki in Thailand eco-car project

admin — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 03:26:41 +0000

VW may join Suzuki in Thailand eco-car project

Nissan became the first company to launch its eco-car in Thailand with its new March at the recent Bangkok Motor Show. Other Japanese carmakers like Toyota and Honda are expected to follow suit; the latter showed off its New Small Concept at the Thai show. Meanwhile, Volkswagen and Suzuki are likely to help each other develop an eco-car in Thailand, according to an industry source.

Bangkok Post reports that a senior official at Thailand’s Board of Investment (BoI) confirmed the German and Japanese automakers were negotiating about collaborative possibilities. Small car expert Suzuki is already a certainty, after reaffirming its stand to go ahead with a 7.5-billion-baht eco-car venture in Thailand last year. VW meanwhile, was among seven automakers applying for promotional privileges from the BoI. The state agency approved the proposals of six companies (Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Tata), but asked for additional details from Europe’s biggest carmaker.

The move came after both automakers recently established a long-term strategic partnership under which Volkswagen bought a 19.9% stake in Suzuki and the Japanese automaker in turn invested up to half of the amount received into shares of Volkswagen.

Volkswagen hopes to tap Suzuki’s established product strength in small cars and Suzuki’s strong market in Southeast Asia under the agreement.

The source said it was not clear, however, whether the negotiations under way between Volkswagen and Suzuki would lead to decisions to make eco-cars jointly or separately.

Co-operation is possible in areas such as the supply chain, parts procurement, shared production facilities and distribution no matter what form of investment will result from the negotiations.

Suzuki’s eco-car investment in Thailand involves building the facilities for pressing, welding, painting, assembly and engine production.

The Japanese automaker is due to start producing eco-cars with 1.3-litre gasoline engine from early 2012, initially at 10,000 units per year.

Seventy percent of its cars would be sold locally and production should hit 100,000 units per year in the fifth year of operations, as required by the BoI.

Details of Volkswagen’s plan have not been announced but the source said if Volkswagen developed its project alone, the investment was expected to be worth as much as 26 billion baht.

admin (with some content from bangkok post)