Target of 70,000 units in the first year.
Suzuki started the mass production of the Suzuki Vitara at its Magyar plant in Hungary on March 5, 2015. The first car was driven off the assembly line by Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán with President and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation Osamu Suzuki in the passenger seat.
However, several reports indicate that Suzuki has been producing the Vitara, and stocking the car at various dealerships across Europe even prior to the March 5 announcement.
The Hungarian plant has made over 2.5 million Suzuki models till date, and employs about 3,100 people. MSC (Magyar Suzuki Corporation) plans to make 70,000 units of the Vitara in the first year with contribution from 74 Hungarian suppliers. The carmaker says in its press release that the Vitara will be exported to "several new markets" apart from Europe. In total, about 70 export markets will be served.
Available with a 1.6-liter petrol or diesel engine, the Vitara offers standard features such as seven airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, projector headlamps and automatic AC.
The petrol engine, capable of 120 hp and 156 Nm of torque, is paired to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, while the diesel is solely available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Suzuki is showcasing the new Vitara at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show, alongside the iK-2 and iM-4 concepts.
Suzuki Vitara Enters Production - Press Release
[Head to Slideshare if you're unable to view the document above.]
