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Suzuki was founded in 1909 by Michio Suzuki as Suzuki Loom Works, manufacturing weaving looms for Japan silk industry. The company diversified into motorized bicycles after World War II, launched its first motorcycle in 1952, and built its first production automobile, the Suzulight, in 1955.
Suzuki established itself as a specialist in small cars and four-wheel-drive vehicles. The Fronte and Alto kei cars were successful in Japan domestic market, while the Carry and Every commercial vehicles established Suzuki in utility segments. The company entered the US market in 1963 with motorcycles and in 1985 with automobiles, though its automotive presence in the US was limited.
Suzuki is the world leader in kei car production, the ultra-compact vehicle category unique to Japan with strict size and engine displacement limits. The company is also one of the world's largest motorcycle manufacturers. Suzuki automobiles have been particularly successful in India through its subsidiary Maruti Suzuki, which is the largest car manufacturer in India by market share. Suzuki withdrew from the US automotive market in 2012 but continues to sell motorcycles there.
[Note: Suzuki and General Motors had an equity partnership from 1981 to 2006 where GM held a stake in Suzuki, and Suzuki also had a technical alliance with Volkswagen from 2009 to 2015 that ended in arbitration. Neither relationship resulted in significant platform sharing.]
Suzuki is the leading manufacturer of kei cars in Japan, producing vehicles that comply with the strict kei car regulations (660cc engine displacement limit, specific dimensions). The Suzuki Alto has been one of Japan best-selling cars for decades.
The Suzuki Jimny, first introduced in 1970 and now in its fourth generation (2018), is a lightweight ladder-frame off-roader with a part-time four-wheel-drive system. The current JB74 generation has gained cult following for its utilitarian design and genuine off-road capability in a tiny package. [Note: the Jimny was sold as the Chevrolet Tracker and Santana in some markets, and a three-door only version was introduced in Europe for type-approval reasons.]
Suzuki developed the first production motorcycle with a turbocharger, the 1982 Suzuki XN85, though it was not commercially successful and Suzuki did not pursue turbocharging in motorcycles beyond the 1980s.
The Suzuki Swift Sport (2005) was a lightweight, naturally aspirated hot hatch that weighed under 1,050 kg, demonstrating Suzuki philosophy of achieving performance through light weight rather than high power.
The Maruti Suzuki partnership, beginning in 1982, was one of the most consequential automotive joint ventures in developing markets. Maruti Suzuki dominates the Indian car market with over 40 percent market share and has made India a major Suzuki production and export hub.
Michio Suzuki founded Suzuki Loom Works in Hamamatsu, Japan, manufacturing weaving looms.
The Suzulight, Suzuki first production car, was introduced as a kei car with a two-cylinder, two-stroke engine.
The first Suzuki Jimny off-roader was launched, establishing Suzuki reputation for compact four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Suzuki partnered with the Indian government to establish Maruti Udyog Limited, creating the most successful automotive joint venture in India.
Suzuki announced it would cease automobile sales in the United States after 27 years, citing limited model range and currency challenges.
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