Suzuki
Japan may have failed to emerge as a superpower when it launched World war in the onset of the 20th century. But the country's culture and technology seems to find its own way to dominate the world. Japanese car companies are now some of the most respected, trusted and lucrative companies in the whole world. Suzuki is among those car firms that can attest to the superior car technology developed by Japanese vehicle engineers.
Machine engineer Michio Suzuki established the Suzuki Loom Company in 1909. The company flourished as demand for silk weaving looms boomed. Suzuki Loom for a while seemed contented in its success. For the next three decades, the company focused on the design and development of complex technology machines.
Because there was an apparent need to diversify business to be able to remain afloat, Suzuki decided in 1937 to fund a research and development initiative aimed at producing compact prototype cars. A four-cylinder engine was developed two years after by the company. The effort was temporarily set aside when Japan declared in World War II that passenger cars were not significant.
But then the local and global cotton industry slumped in 1951. Suzuki was forced to diversify and abruptly made a motor bicycle dubbed as the ‘Power Free'. As you all know, the rest became history. Suzuki's foray into the bicycle sector succeeded. Later on, the company secured financial subsidy from the government to delve into motorcycle engineering. Suzuki Motor Corporation was born.
By 1954, Suzuki became one of the biggest motorcycle brands and changed its name to Suzuki Motor Company Limited. The following year, it released the Suzulight, a four-wheel vehicle that showcased the company's capability into entering the four-wheel drive sector.
From then on, Suzuki actively produced motor vehicles and cars of different types. So successful was the company that it eventually turned itself into a multinational corporation firm that produces a diverse portfolio of vehicles. Suzuki has been renowned for its keicars or compact cars and small or light sports utility vehicles.
The engines used by Suzuki were all self produced, making the industry recognize the competence and expertise of the company. Now, Suzuki is among the most reliable and popular car and automobile brands globally. It has established 15 automotive facilities in as many as 14 countries across all global regions. Its distribution network also strengthened to reach 133 dealerships and distributors across 119 different nations.
Its North American operations in the United States and in Canada also emerged to become one of the company's most lucrative units. There were years when the offshore arms even outpaced the home market operations especially when Western countries started realizing that Japanese cars are truly functional, resilient and highly reliable.
To date, Suzuki is still a well-known motorcycle producer. It has so far produced close to a hundred different motorcycle models. Its car models are also trailing not far behind. The future looks bright on the company. Through time, Suzuki has exhibited the real essence of positive opportunism and resilience.
Original Authors: Manny
Edit Update Authors: RPN
Updated On: 15/08/2007
