Suzuki Fans Invade Sleepy Castletown; Plant to be Built in Russia

Last weekend, almost 6,000 Suzuki fans woke up the sleepy haven of Castletown on the Isle of Man, as the Golf Links Hotel hosted a day-long party by the sea. This invading party was named Suzuki Sunday.

It was the biggest event scheduled for Suzuki's TT centenary celebrations. It brought together a stunning array of iconic and legendary machines and riders that included Mitsuo Ito, the only Japanese winner of the TT.

Suzuki fans began arriving at the Golf Links Hotel early last Sunday after following the UK riding debut of the Suzuki B-King on the promenade on Saturday night with John Reynolds, the former BSB champion. During the big event, the fans had with them the iconic and legendary machines and riders such as the 1963 50cc TT-winning machine of Mitsuo Ito and the RGV500 of Kevin Schwantz, the 1993 Grand Prix World Champion.

Paul de Lusignan, the Marketing Manager of Suzuki GB said that they were really amazed by the attendance on Suzuki Sunday. He recalled that they indeed boosted a lot of efforts in putting together the program. Good thing is that it turned out great. He further said that they were very proud to be part of the centenary celebrations and bringing some of their great machines to the Island from all over the world.

De Lusignan thanked the people behind Suzuki’s rich history as well as those who joined them in Suzuki Sunday and made it such a special day.

Personalities who were present throughout Suzuki Sunday were Mitsuo Ito, Kevin Schwantz, Graeme Crosby, Chris Walker, John Reynolds, Bruce Anstey, Adrian Archibald, Ian Lowry.

The Relentless Suzuki by TAS Team will be having races this week and that Suzuki would like to wish the best of luck.

Aside from this successful event, one more positive thing about the Japanese automaker is that, according to the news, it is planning to jointly build a new plant in Russia with trading house Itochu Corp. This is to extend its presence in emerging markets.

The Nikkei business daily said that the two companies’ aim is to initially produce 10,000 sports utility vehicles (SUV) at the factory starting 2009. Suzuki officials, however, refused to give a say.

According to the news, Suzuki plans to initially bring parts from Japan to the plant which will produce the four-wheel drive Grand Vitara compact SUV that is considered suitable for the cold climate in Russia.

An equal share in the venture that will operate the factory will be appropriated among the two companies.

About Suzuki Motor Corporation
Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation company whose work is to produce range of automobiles (especially Keicars and small SUVs), a full range of motorcycles, ATVs, outboard motors, wheelchairs, and several other small combustion-powered engine products.

Maker of quality Suzuki oxygen sensor, Suzuki has 15 automotive manufacturing plants in 14 countries and 133 distributors in 119 countries around the world.

Suzuki scored the first of countless racing victories in 1953 when the very small 60cc "Diamond Free" bested among its class in the Mount Fuji Hill Climb.