Suzuki sets new production record

With many manufacturers scoring record low figures last year Suzuki actually saw a two per cent increase in production over its 2007 figures with plants outside of Japan contributing to more than 50 per cent of total production for the brand.

The Japanese brand saw a spike in popularity on home soil as consumers sought a cheaper alternative to family motoring with 679,215 units sold in Japan alone.

Export figures fell slightly as the economic downturn took hold.

The Suzuki Wagon R (pictured above) was again Japan’s best selling car, and Suzuki once again was strong in the mini-vehicle market with a 31.6 per cent share. That was almost one per cent up on the 2007 figure.

Suzuki will celebrate its 100th birthday this year. The company was founded in 1909 by Michio Suzuki.