Suzuki Halts North American Production For 2009

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Pop quiz: how many XL7s has Suzuki built at its CAMI plant this year? Answer: four. Seriously. Compare that with the 5,687 built in Q1 2008, and it’s pretty clear that there’s something rotten in the province of Ontario. Especially when you consider that GM is still using its CAMI capacity to pump out 2009-model Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent CUVs. According to the Financial Post, Suzuki will not be be building any more vehicles in North America in 2009. Which means ’09-built XL7s are set to become one of the rarest vehicles in the world. But the firm is committed to its CAMI plant, with CEO Osamu Suzuki telling the FP that “the possibility that CAMI would be forced into closure or a production stop is 120% impossible. It is a central pillar in the reconstruction plan, so I am not worried about it.” Which means CAMI should survive any GM bankruptcy. Suzuki may be sitting out the NA market in 2009 (while nursing its Indian market profits) but when it brings its CAMI capacity back online, it will likely be in support of its ambitious Kizashi mid-sized effort. Too bad, then, that the fanboys are already calling BS on Suzuki’s pledge to bring the Concept 3’s bold styling to the streets with the Kizashi.

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Taxman100 Taxman100 on May 13, 2009

    My buddy's sister has worked at a local Suzuki dealership for at least a decade. It was highly successful in the past, but the owner is on the verge of closing all three of his Suzuki dealerships - his floorplan financing has already been pulled, and he will be closing shop at the end of the month. There is just too many makes and models in this market.

  • John Horner John Horner on May 14, 2009

    Suzuki cars USA is one messed up operation. If I understand it right, all the GM-Daewoo stuff is now gone, they have a copy of the Nissan Frontier, the Fiat joint venture SX4 and the Grand Vitara. Isuzu, Suzuki and Mitsubishi are all essentially dead brands in the US. Isuzu I think is actually finally officially dead.

  • Shaker Shaker on May 14, 2009

    I dunno, SX4 sedans are popping up like weeds in the parking lot at work. Cheap, and not bad looking at all. Not enough shoulder room for me, though.

  • KGrGunMan KGrGunMan on May 14, 2009

    the SX4 is nice but i'll take a swift, please. oh what? suzuki does not sell the swift in america? nevermind, i'll buy another car from another company then. the sx4 is nice and all, but the swift is a nicer drive.

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