The first electric models from Suzuki are set to arrive next year. In the face of this change, the Japanese manufacturer intends to maintain its trademark and avoid falling into gigantism.
Since the launch of its first automobiles, Suzuki has established itself as a specialist in small, economical cars. Its first model launched in 1955 was aptly named Suzulight. After some failed attempts to move upmarket, the Japanese manufacturer decided to stick to this specialty with some success.
Predominant in Japan with its Kei cars, it remains the number one in the Indian market with its small cars under the Maruti-Suzuki brand. In Europe, thanks to the Swift, it has managed to maintain its volumes at around 200,000 units, while at the same time some of its Japanese rivals like Honda or Nissan have faltered.
Its policy named Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi in Japanese (smaller, less, lighter, shorter, beauty) will remain valid for future electric vehicles. Its models are already lighter than average (1204 kg compared to 1525 kg in Europe, for example). In Japan, it will be remembered that the 8th generation of its flagship model, the Alto, managed to reduce its weight to the level of the 4th generation, and the 10th generation will return to the level of the 3rd, below 600 kg.
The manufacturer emphasizes that reducing weight by 200 kg allows for a 20% energy savings in production and 6% in driving. A lightweight electric vehicle means a smaller battery, a smaller and less powerful motor, less energy to absorb in crashes… a virtuous circle that also includes a reduction in the amount of materials used and easier recycling.
The first electric Suzuki offered in Europe will be the small SUV eVX, which will also have a counterpart at Toyota, the bZ Urban SUV.