Suzuki partnership success continues, unveils new model

January 2012

The partnership between Japanese marque Suzuki and Maruti Technical Services is proving increasingly popular, with Maruti Suzuki emerging as India's largest car manufacturer.

Now claiming 40 per cent of the country's new car market, the pairing has unveiled plans for a new car - the Suzuki XA Alpha Concept.

Combining elements of both the Suzuki Jimny and the Suzuki Grand Vitara, the car was created by designers in India and engineers from Suzuki's Japanese headquarters.

The Suzuki XA Alpha comes as the marque turns its focus to young urban drivers in search of a sportier look - rather than the more ruggedly styled SUVs available.

"The choice of automobile will be dictated more and more by the way of life of customers. We will launch new products and create new categories to their choice," Maruti Suzuki CEO Shinzo Nakanishi announced at this year's New Delhi Auto Expo.

According to Suzuki Australia spokesman Andrew Ellis, the move reflects current SUV trends.

"It's a reaction to what Suzuki sees people want," he told The Sunday Times (January 13).

"But there are no current plans for this to reach production. If Suzuki pressed the button on this project today, it'll be at least three years before it'll be seen in showrooms."

The Suzuki Jimny and Suzuki Grand Vitara are both currently available in Australia. Simply visit Macarthur Automotive in Sydney to test drive the SUV's at our Suzuki dealership.