
Suzuki Motor Corp.’s investors are becoming increasingly concerned at the lack of clarity over who will succeed the carmaker’s 84-year-old Chairman and President, Osamu Suzuki, who has spent almost three decades as head of the carmaker.

Suzuki Motor Corp.’s investors are becoming increasingly concerned at the lack of clarity over who will succeed the carmaker’s 84-year-old Chairman and President, Osamu Suzuki, who has spent almost three decades as head of the carmaker.

A report from Kyodo News cites “industry sources” as saying that Japan’s eight major automakers will partner on basic research into fuel-efficient and eco-friendly engines to minimize the cost of the research.
Suzuki said today it will introduce an affordable, simplified gasoline-electric hybrid technology in its cars, joining rivals in the race for fuel efficiency.
Suzuki, which has largely focused on internal combustion engines, said it needs to boost fuel efficiency to survive in a competitive industry.

Suzuki will launch a new model every year for the next three years to increase annual vehicle sales in its European markets by about 100,000 units to 300,000 by 2016.

Suzuki has extended its VAT Free offer until the end of 2013. The offer gives buyers of a new Splash and Swift the equivalent of 20% VAT off the list price.