Swift delayed until next year in U.S. as Vw and Suzuki review plans
By Andrew, 25 Sep, 2010. 0 Comments
2011 Suzuki Swift
As you may know already, the new Suzuki Swift was scheduled to make its debut in the United States this year, but the Japanese manufacturer delayed the small hatch until next year. It appears that Suzuki’s product plans in the United States are murky, partly due to the fact that Volkswagen bought 20 percent of Suzuki Motor Corp this year and partly because of the growing strength of the yen against the dollar.
Despite the fact that the engineering for the U.S. market was completed, and Suzuki was setting the price, the manufacturer’s worldwide product plans are currently under review following the Volkswagen deal. Volkswagen and Suzuki executives are looking for new solutions to share car platforms as well as technology.
According to sources, the plan is set to be completed this fall. Suzuki’s U.S. sales have been in free fall and almost 50 dealers accepted buyout offers from the company. Also the strengthening yen against the dollar is a big problem, because the exchange rate means low profits.
"At the moment, if the exchange rate continues like it is, we couldn't expect very much profit," said Takuma Mizuyoshi, a Suzuki spokesman in Japan. "So that's a concern right now." [via autonews - sub. required]
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