Industry News
Century-Long Suzuki Motor Corporation |
Suzuki Philippines has announced that Suzuki Motor Corporation (SUZUKI) is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
SUZUKI is considered as the fourth largest automaker in Japan which manufactures motorcycles, automobiles, and outboard motors. It started as Suzuki Loom Works in 1902 in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan as a loom weaving company. It was founded by Michio Suzuki, an accomplished innovator and inventor.
"Monozukuri" or manufacturing principles hinged on craftsmanship, which include listening to customers' needs and the value of hard work, have enabled the company to be successful in the said field.
SUZUKI also stands by the famous quote, "If the customer needs something, we must do whatever we can to respond. Hard work guarantees success."
In March 1920, the company was reorganized and incorporated with Mr. Suzuki as president of Suzuki Loom Manufacturing Company, the precursor of the modern-day SUZUKI. Ultimately, Suzuki's success in the looms business and its principles led the company to diversify into another industry that was crucial to the advancement of Japan: the motor vehicle transport industry.
First off, the two-wheels. According to SUZUKI, the development of its motorcycles started with an inspiration when Suzuki Managing Director Shunzo Suzuki was riding his bicycle against a headwind blowing along the coastal pine forest of the Enshu Region when the thought of a motorized bicycle formed in his mind. His thoughts revolved around building a motorized bicycle that anyone can easily handle and ride. In 1954, a motorcycle with a 90cc engine made its debut -- the Suzuki Colleda which was easy to ride, strong, and long lasting.
Moving to four-wheels, the development of automobiles was pushed aside due to the onset of World War II. It was only after the war when the automobile development program was reinstated and work began with determination. And that was eighteen years after the initial development began. "We have got to do what we have got to do. The value of the efforts will be that much greater if we push on in spite of limited money and resources," Michio Suzuki said.
In 1955, the passion, the craftsmanship and a deep understanding of what customers desired was realized in Japan's first automobile the "Suzulight". Fast forward to today, the dream of Michio Suzuki has continued to fuel the company with the launch of many products that more and more people come to love and cherish.
Moreover, SUZUKI has also supplied outboard motor engine for marine transport in 1965 when the "ultimate 4-stroke outboard" was launched. It's known for its better acceleration, better fuel efficiency, and better value leading to SUZUKI's global reputation.
In the Philippines, Suzuki is celebrating its 35th anniversary. It is the only integrated company carrying motorcycle, automobile and outboard motor products in Asia.
Suzuki Motorcycle has over 60 dealership groups and a network of 3079 shops in the market that led to its domination of the underbone market with the Smash and the Raider R150. According to the company, both have sold more than double their competitors over the years.
Suzuki Automobile, on the other hand, recorded a 21.17% increase in sales last year crediting to the company's aggressive efforts throughout 2019. The company's top models include the Ertiga, the Vitara and the Celerio. Suzuki Automobile has also jumped three places up in the Philippine market, now on 5th place.
Outboard Motor or Marine business is the newest addition to Suzuki Philippines. In 2019, it has achieved 205 sales growth with 6 dealerships.
For the next 100 years, the company said that they will continue to create and innovate for the satisfaction of its customers in the Philippines and all over the world.
With the corona virus disease (CoViD-19) affecting everyone around the globe, Suzuki Philippines bows to go beyond producing reliable products by assisting in continuing the way of life of people.