Launch of New Suzuki Reno Five-Door Crossover

Press Release

Crucial Step in American Suzuki's Long-Range Growth Plan

• European-designed Compact Crossover is Third of Nine New Models That Will Enable Suzuki to Triple Vehicle Sales by 2007
• New Model Comes as Suzuki Picks Up Key Industry Accolades

The new Suzuki Reno - the five-door crossover vehicle unveiled today at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) - represents another important step in the automaker's long-range growth plan and accelerated positioning at the center of the U.S. automotive mainstream. Designed by Ital Design as a new breed of compact crossover blending five-door functionality with the style of a European sedan, the Reno is the third of nine new vehicles Suzuki will debut to triple sales to 200,000 vehicles by 2007. The new car originates from Suzuki's $100-million investment in GMDAT and further cements the automaker's positioning as a maker of stylish, customer-focused and value-packed vehicles in the U.S. "The Reno joins last year's launch of the midsize Verona and premium compact Forenza sedans to dramatically expand Suzuki's model line, overall buyer appeal and sales in the U.S.," commented Tom Carney, ASMC director of automotive marketing. "Coming on the heels of our doubling of sales in five years and an extremely strong response to the Verona and Forenza, the Reno is well positioned to continue Suzuki's public and industry acclaim momentum." The Reno also strengthens Suzuki's growing brand awareness in the U.S. "Suzuki Motor Corporation sold 1.7 million units worldwide in 2002 and more than 600,000 small and mini cars in Japan alone," added Carney. "Most of the world already knows us as the best-value automaker with small-car expertise - now we're eager for more U.S. buyers to discover Suzuki for themselves."

About the Suzuki Reno

The Reno targets discriminating buyers of all ages wanting a fresh, five-door compact crossover design able to support a multitude of recreational and lifestyle pursuits and priced to start at $13,000. The all-new model follows the Suzuki trend, forged with the Verona and Forenza, of combining genuine European design with the performance, interior space and standard features of competing models typically costing thousands of dollars more. Plans call for the Reno to hit Suzuki showrooms as a '05 model. "The Suzuki Reno is a versatile vehicle specifically designed to cross over a wide variety of function-seeking and value-oriented car buyers - from Gen Y to Gen X to Baby Boomers," explained Tom Carney. Complimenting the Reno's Ital Design crossover design is a generously sized five-passenger interior offering more front and rear legroom than Mazda3 and Matrix, and more front and rear shoulder room than Scion and Matrix. A standard four-cylinder, 2-liter, DOHC, 16-valve engine pushes performance output to 126 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 131 foot-pounds of torque at a low 4,000 rpm. In addition to boasting a larger and more powerful engine than the Scion, the Reno employs an efficient engine design to optimize power, acceleration and fuel efficiency while reducing noise. Inside, a functionally sculptured two-toned interior is highlighted by an in-dash AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, integrated steering wheel controls and eight speakers - the only standard eight-speaker stereo in its class. Other standard features include heated power side mirrors, steering wheel-mounted cruise control, power door locks, key-hole illumination, factory-installed floor mats, overhead sun visor vanity mirrors with ticket holders, center-dash 12-volt power outlet, timed rear window defroster and numerous storage possibilities. Plans call for the Reno to offer an MSRP ranging from $13,000 to $15,000 - giving it a distinct value advantage over other multi-use vehicles in its class.

America's #1 Warranty

Like 2004 Suzuki models, the 2005 Reno will be covered by Suzuki's Open Road Promise, featuring a 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain limited warranty that's fully transferable to succeeding owners and free of deductibles for covered items. This is in addition to the 36,000-mile/3-year new-vehicle limited warranty. Other components of Suzuki's Open Road Promise include a three-year Roadside Assistance program and a Warranty Repair Courtesy Vehicle program.

Recent Awards and Accolades

Suzuki continues to garner top industry awards and accolades. For the second straight year, Consumers Digest has designated Suzuki's Aerio and XL-7 as "Best Buys" - most recently for the 2004 model year of both vehicles. The magazine's annual recommendations, designed to show which cars and trucks offer the most value for the money, are based on purchase price, ownership costs, warranty coverage, safety ratings, historic reliability, styling, ergonomics, comfort, amenities, cargo room and performance factors such as acceleration, braking, handling and ride quality. Suzuki's 2003 Aerio and XL-7 were named Consumers Digest "Best Buys" in 2003 - a designation that took on extra merit for the Aerio as it was bestowed with it during its introductory year as well. The 2004 Suzuki XL-7 also received an Annual Light Truck and SUV (ALTAS) Award as favorite compact SUV from the staff of Sport Truck Connection Television. The award recognizes the best SUVs and light trucks in seven categories, according to how they perform in real-world driving situations. ASMC's Suzuki Square dealership design has been nominated for the Institute of Store Planners and Visual Merchandising and Store Design (ISP/VM+SD) Store of the Year Award. The finals will be announced January 12, 2004 in New York. Finally, for its partnership with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), American Suzuki received the ASPCA 2004 Corporate Caring Award, given to the business that best promotes humane principals and awareness of animal welfare issues within the framework of its business activities or among its clients and employees. The award specifically recognized Suzuki's partnership with ASPCA and Animal Planet to create a pet travel safety program, and for other initiatives.