Established in Japan as the Suzuki Loom Works in 1909, the company we now recognise as Suzuki really began in 1952 with the creation of its first motorised bicycle. Two years later the name was changed to Suzuki Motor Corporation and the company’s first car - the Suzulight - was released in 1955.

Like many other Japanese manufacturers Suzuki specialised in small, lightweight vehicles and this was demonstrated by its production during the 1970s. This period saw the introduction of the Jimny (a lightweight 4x4) and the Alto. The latter was the first of several Suzuki models that could be classed as a Keicar - a category of small Japanese vehicles.

In 1981 General Motors first purchased a share in the company at 5%, rising to 10% in 1998 and doubling again three years later. This association led to Suzuki vastly increasing its exports to the American market and aided in the worldwide success of the Suzuki Swift. Losses incurred by General Motors necessitated the sale of most of the corporation’s shares in Suzuki in 2006, though it still has a 3% stake.

Suzuki itself has been expanding lately, with shares in Daewoo amounting to 11% and a collaboration with Nissan proving mutually beneficial. Suzuki provides Nissan with the small, lightweight cars it is known for, while its fellow Japanese manufacturer supplies the likes of pick up trucks. The two intend to begin production for the growing Indian market in the near future.

The Suzuki brand is as well known today for its motorcycle production as for its cars and since that first motorised bicycle the company has become one of the leading members of the industry. Suzuki motorbikes have an especially good reputation in motor sports; after winning the Isle of Man TT for the first time in 1962 its bikes have consistently performed well in Grand Prix motorcycle racing and Motocross.

EuroNCAP Safety Ratings for Suzuki cars
The European New Car Assessment Programme produces reports on the safety of vehicles based on the results of several crash tests. As well as measuring how the car will hold up in a crash the risk to a pedestrian struck by the car is assessed. The star ratings (maximum 5) of key Suzuki models are shown below.