Suzuki Harmony in Motion first Auto-Moto Launch

MANILA, Philippines - Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH), the country’s only integrated motoring company, created much excitement in the industry with a harmonic fusion of Suzuki motorcycles and automobile in a joint launch event with a classical concert twist aptly themed ‘Harmony in Motion’ at the East Pavilion Tent, World Trade Center, Roxas Boulevard, last 05 June 2009.

Unveiled were Suzuki’s latest road masters - the Suzuki Thunder, a 125cc backbone city street sports bike; the Suzuki Gladius, a 650cc street fashion bike; the Suzuki GSX-R 1000cc super sports bike, the 1300cc Suzuki Hayabusa super sports bike and a European-styled compact car, the Suzuki Celerio.

At the same event, Suzuki Philippines formally introduced Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. as Suzuki’s Big Bikes endorser and safety riding ambassador. Yoshimura Japan president Fujio Yoshimura with general manager Masanori Ueno were also present to signify the introduction of Yoshimura performance parts for the Suzuki Raider Pro, while Mr. Anil Saini, senior manager for international marketing from Suzuki Maruti India, imparted highlights on the new Suzuki Celerio.

Defined as an urban champion, the new Suzuki Thunder 125 is geared for unparalleled street action. Delivering well-balanced combination and power, its 125cc engine features a PAIR System (pulsed secondary air injection system) for enhanced and fuel-efficient performance. A comfortable riding position ensures optimum handling stability and maneuverability for congested urban streets. The new Suzuki Thunder 125 is designed for solo street riding while maintaining the durability and comfort of a backbone motorcycle. Its competitive price and top-of-the-line features make the new Suzuki Thunder 125 a strategic, trend-setting model.

The Suzuki Hayabusa has the distinction of holding the Guinness record as the “fastest production bike” in the world, achieving a top speed of 317kph. Classified as the Ultimate Sport bike, the Hayabusa is powered by a 1340cc inline 4-cylinder fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC engine built to deliver a broad wave of torque for effortless acceleration.

Positioned as Suzuki’s top performer, the GSX-R 1000 features the latest technologies to deliver a supersport bike that delivers superior performance on all levels — power, handling, braking, and clean running. Improvements in the engine and chassis, brakes, and styling give the Suzuki GSX-R class-leading performance to win production races. The Suzuki GSX-R is targetted at experienced riders looking for that “own the racetrack” feeling.

Making its mark on the European scene, the Suzuki Gladius is a street fashion bike — so-called because of its emphasis on functionality and ergonomics. Its tough, bare-bones styling exudes an attitude of precise elegance and sportiness. Powered by a sporty, fuel-injected, DOHC V-Twin engine, the Suzuki Gladius’ 645cc powerplant is famous for its long-term reliability, broad power, and quiet rumble.

Couture Compact Car

The Suzuki Celerio’s design is based on the “small is beautiful” philosophy, where people can enjoy comfort and convenience in a stylish small vehicle. Showcasing superior aerodynamics, a lightweight body, and a newly-developed 1000cc engine, the Suzuki Celerio has been tagged as a “couture compact car” designed to appeal to European taste.

Taking advantage of Suzuki’s vast experience in small engines, the Suzuki Celerio features a newly developed 3-cylinder, aluminum 12-valve, 1000cc gasoline engine with multi-point injection, producing maximum output of 68hp @ 6000rpm and maximum torque of 90Nm @ 4800rpm. Its low fuel consumption and low emissions make the Celerio earth-friendly, complying with Euro emission standards.

SAFE Advocacy and Yoshimura Performance Parts

Speaking about Suzuki’s SAFE advocacy, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. noted that, “As an avid motorcycle enthusiast, I believe that it is very important to promote riding safety, and this is why I have agreed to be Suzuki’s safety ambassador. Suzuki’s SAFE advocacy means Sporty, Active, Fashionable, and Easy-to-Use. Suzuki prioritizes safety by ensuring that its motorcycles meet high standards of quality. Suzuki also provides an active lifestyle through dynamic power and excitement in every ride. Suzuki motorcycles complement the fashion statement of Filipino riders. And, Suzuki designs motorcycles that are convenient, comfortable, and with the reach of every Filipino.”

Another major milestone for the global market was also announced by Yoshimura Japan Co. Ltd. with the introduction of Yoshimura performance parts for the Suzuki Raider R150, the company’s first venture in producing upgrade kits for small bikes. Initially, the Yoshimura performance kit will consist of exhaust pipe, camshaft and racing gasket which, aside from enhancing the Suzuki Raider R150’s sporty looks, is also expected to provide a performance boost by maintaining maximum power at higher rpm.

According to president Fujio Yoshimura, “This tie-up with Suzuki Philippines is very important to us as our success here will serve as a stepping stone for our future expansion into the ASEAN small bike market. We are very excited about the new market potential that Suzuki Philippines has opened up for us.”

Yoshimura is also working closely with the local Suzuki Racing Team in modifying its racing bikes, training the local service crew, and providing technical consultation and advice.