Suzuki Bankrupt, Files for Chapter 11 in America

[AutoGuide.com]

Despite a positive 5 percent sales increase for the month of October, American Suzuki is preparing to close up shop in North America, announcing it will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Japanese automaker Suzuki, while still prosperous in its home market of Japan, as well as in emerging markets like India, has made the decision to close its US operations, American Suzuki Motor Corp.

"While the decision to discontinue new automobile sales in the U.S. was difficult to make, today's actions were inevitable under these circumstances," the company said in a statement, referring to a small product lineup of low volume vehicles, not to mention high costs and government regulations.

Suzuki has said it will continue to honor warranties, as well as supply parts and service cars through its dealer network.

From over 100,000 units sold in 2007, the Japanese automaker has sold just 26,618 units last year.

The company won't disappear from the US market altogether as it will continue to sell its popular motorcycles, as well as marine products and all-terrain vehicles.

Rumors have pointed to Suzuki's US-market exit for quite some time, with many in the industry also signaling Mitsubishi as another likely candidate for Chapter 11.

Read the complete Suzuki Bankrupt story at AutoGuide.com

[T1T2GRE]

Good news: I recently (July-ish) traded my 2011 SX4 to get a Grand Cherokee (needed more space with a baby coming into the picture) and the trade in was pretty good.

Bad news: I really miss my SX4 and it's sad to see Zuk close their doors here. It was a great, fuel efficient little bugger. Who can pass up AWD withmanual at a steal of a price?

Oh well, it's been good knowing ya, Suzuki.

[geordie_r]

So does this also mean there will be an end to the chevy tagged line-up?

[suzukifan21]

Very sad :/

[fordem]

Originally Posted by geordie_r

So does this also mean there will be an end to the chevy tagged line-up?

Chevy tagged line up !?!? You mean like the Tracker?

If I'm not mistaken the last of the GM branded/Suzuki built vehicles was the Tracker and I think that ceased production around 2003, I think the last vehicle they built together was the second generation XL7 which was more Suzuki branded/GM built than the other way around (think Chevy Equinox) and that ceased production in 2009.

There were also some Daewoo built vehicles with both Suzuki & GM badges in the mid 2000s but as far as I know, those are also out of production.

I think that "chevy tagged" line is looooong gone.

[Kodiak]

Hopefully OEM parts won't dry up too quickly.

[zaxellord]

Don't be so sure.

[Kodiak]

Originally Posted by zaxellord

Don't be so sure.

I'm not sure, which is why I said "hopefully".

[zaxellord]

Originally Posted by Kodiak

I'm not sure, which is why I said "hopefully".

I know what you meant But looking at it from a business standpoint, they're gone from the US, so they don't need to concern themselves with brand loyalty anymore from US buyers of their cars (and maybe motorcycles and other products as well).

Case in point a former Suzuki dealership in my area, is now selling Subarus, the 2008 SX4 they had left they were only asking $4995 for it. The dealership has moved on and so has Suzuki.