100 Years of Suzuki: Japanese Car/Bike Maker Celebrates Centennial Anniversary

suzuki 100 years

Suzuki Motor Corporation, manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and four-wheel drive vehicles, celebrates its centennial anniversary this month. Currently the third-largest vehicle maker in Japan, the brand was founded by Michio Suzuki 100 years ago on March 15, 1920.

What started off as a loom factory has blossomed into a global conglomerate spanning 35 production sites in 23 countries, with a network of 133 distributors in 192 countries. That’s no small feat to achieve, considering the company’s humble beginnings on the small seacoast village of Hamamatsu, Japan.

“It was a hundred years of being propped up by the patronage and support of customers. We will never forget our feeling of gratitude, and always cherish the philosophy inherited from the founder, Michio Suzuki, "to deliver products of superior value by focusing on the customer," on which our craftsmanship is based,” shared the popular car and bike manufacturer.

suzuki 100 years

Suzuki’s journey to success has been an interesting one, as it didn’t initially start out as car manufacturer. With a flourishing loom business, it wasn’t until the end of World War II when the company shifted its operations to producing motor vehicles.

Deciding to build its first car in 1937, Michio Suzuki evolved his company within two years, completing several prototype four stroke, four cylinder, 13-hp small cars within that time period.

Unfortunately, these completed cars never went into production as the Japanese Government declared civilian passenger cars a "non-essential commodity” following Japan’s WWII defeat.

Nevertheless, Michio Suzuki persisted, and with time, produced many memorable car and bike models throughout his company’s 100 years of existence.

“We will continue to take on the challenges of manufacturing, in order to provide exciting products that deliver greater "ease of use," "fun" and "amazement" to people throughout the world,” Suzuki added in its celebratory announcement.

suzuki 100 years

As for its venture here in the Philippines, Suzuki has been continuously eclipsed by many of its Japanese counterparts, with its sales numbers lagging far behind the likes of Toyota, Mitsubishi, and NissanNevertheless, Suzuki continues to be one of the more recognizable nameplates in the country.

Of note is the renaissance of sorts that the brand is experiencing, with the successful release of new models like the Ciaz, Ertiga, Vitara, Swift, and their current bestseller, the new generation Jimny, which has a year-long waiting list.

“With gratitude for our customers, Suzuki's challenges will continue,” the carmaker closed.

suzuki way of life logo emblem

Also Read:

PIMS 2018: Suzuki Revival on Full Showcase Led by All-New Suzuki Jimny

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Suzuki Cars

Suzuki Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Road Test
  • Suzuki PH rolls out ‘Summer to Remember Promo’
    Suzuki PH rolls out ‘Summer to Remember Promo’
    Paulo Papa . Mar 22, 2024
  • Suzuki PH rolls out ‘Summer to Remember Promo’
    Suzuki PH rolls out ‘Summer to Remember Promo’
    Paulo Papa . Mar 22, 2024
  • Suzuki PH launches XL7 Hybrid
    Suzuki PH launches XL7 Hybrid
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 18, 2024
  • Suzuki PH breaks ground for upcoming Silang dealership
    Suzuki PH breaks ground for upcoming Silang dealership
    Paulo Papa . Mar 15, 2024
  • Suzuki prolongs ‘Big Cheers, Big Deals’ Promo
    Suzuki prolongs ‘Big Cheers, Big Deals’ Promo
    Ruben Manahan IV . Feb 08, 2024
  • Flyweight feud: Suzuki S-Presso AGS vs. Honda Brio V CVT
    Flyweight feud: Suzuki S-Presso AGS vs. Honda Brio V CVT
    Paulo Papa . Mar 20, 2024
  • Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Vs 3-Door: Key Similarities and Differences
    Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Vs 3-Door: Key Similarities and Differences
    Hazel Nicole Carreon . Jan 17, 2024
  • Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Vs 3-Door: Key Similarities and Differences
    Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Vs 3-Door: Key Similarities and Differences
    Hazel Nicole Carreon . Jan 17, 2024
  • What's inside the Suzuki Dzire
    What's inside the Suzuki Dzire
    Hazel Nicole Carreon . Jan 16, 2024
  • Suzuki Swift vs. the competition
    Suzuki Swift vs. the competition
    Hazel Nicole Carreon . Jan 11, 2024
  • More doors, more fun: Suzuki Jimny 5-door
    More doors, more fun: Suzuki Jimny 5-door
    Paulo Papa . Feb 27, 2024
  • Suzuki S-Presso: capable daily driver, decent weekender
    Suzuki S-Presso: capable daily driver, decent weekender
    Paulo Papa . Jan 04, 2024
  • The little machine that could: 2022 Suzuki Celerio GL with AGS
    The little machine that could: 2022 Suzuki Celerio GL with AGS
    Roy Robles . May 07, 2022
  • Braveheart: 2021 Suzuki S-Presso GL MT
    Braveheart: 2021 Suzuki S-Presso GL MT
    Roy Robles . Aug 04, 2021
  • Suzuki Swift Dzire GL+ gearbox offers the best of both worlds
    Suzuki Swift Dzire GL+ gearbox offers the best of both worlds
    Eric Tipan . Apr 28, 2020