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Suzuki Delays 2010 Large-Size Car

Japanese automaker Suzuki decided to put on hold plans to bring a large car model in 2010 due to the same economic downturn that has slashed sales of companies all around the world. In addition, Suzuki will also delay the start of several production plants built overseas in order to align its production to the continuously declining market demand, Autonews reported today quoting the Nikkei business daily.

It's no doubt that automakers experience one of the toughest periods in their lifetime, with cost-cutting measures, job cuts and new launches delays almost a must to remain in business. That's why a large-size vehicle would not make sense in a struggling market where most people become interested in low-displacement models that are particularly focused on fuel-efficiency and environment protection.

Suzuki's large car was mostly based on the “Kizashi” concept and featured two engine configurations, namely a 2.5- and a 3.6-liter, being especially addressed to small car owners who aimed to move to a superior class, Autonews wrote.

Rumors surrounding Kizashi claimed the car will have a price between $21,000 and $28,000 and will compete with several popular models upgraded in 2010, including Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata. The car was initially planned to be built in Sagara, Japan, with North American production scheduled for the next few years.

However, Suzuki postpones the launch of the new model and, in addition, it idles production facilities in Thailand and Russia in 2010. Meanwhile, Suzuki's shares grew up in December by 3.4 percent to 1,270 yen, “underperforming a 4.3 percent gain in the Tokyo stock exchange's transport equipment subindex,” as the aforementioned source explained.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
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Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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