Suzuki's Hungarian Manufacturing Plant Turns 20

Suzuki’s European manufacturing plant, Magyar Suzuki Corporation recently reached an important milestone,a s it celebrates its 20th anniversary. The company, which was founded back in April 1991, has steadily grown and now plays a major role not only in Hungary's automotive market, but also as the only manufacturing division on the continent serving European markets needs.

The company was established by Suzuki Motor Corporation, and the first generation Swift was the first model to roll off the production line in Hungary in 1992. This was followed in 2000 by Wagon R+, Ignis in 2003, second generation Swift in 2005, SX4 in 2006, Splash in 2008 and the latest model Swift in June 2010. The division also makes right-hand drive models like the Swift, Splash and SX4 for the UK market.

The company’s facilities at Esztergom comprise of five shop units (stamping, welding, painting, assembly and bumper). Last year, the facility produced a total of 170,000 vehicles there, and all models currently made there are built with Euro 5 compliant engines.

The biggest investment at Magyar Suzuki came in the period 2003-2008 under the Suzuki's European Renaissance Program, which targeted heavy expansion of the European network of distributors as well as preparing the company for the production of 300 thousand units. More than 280 thousand vehicles were produced in 2008 but the global economic crisis, prevented Magyar Suzuki Corporation from achieving this goal.

Some of you might remember that two months ago, we announced that the 2 millionth Suzuki Swift came off the assembly line at Esztergom.