Having a modular powertrain system will aid this transition, as will Suzuki’s global manufacturing and development footprint, ensuring that variants can be designed from the outset to be as well suited to their key market as possible. With this in mind, Suzuki will put extra emphasis on the Indian market, which it sees as the greatest growth opportunity.
Suzuki’s on the ‘software-defined vehicle’ train
Alongside this new way of modularising the car’s mechanicals and hardware, Suzuki will also create modular software, creating its own ‘software-defined vehicle’ that’ll ensure development of its digital systems will happen just as quickly as the rest of it. By creating one centralised brain, new-model development and more features will be easier to integrate and less costly to develop.
When will we see these new models on the road in the UK?
Suzuki’s eSky is the first all-new model under this strategy, and will be on sale in the UK next year. This is the smallest new model we’ll see in the UK, and while its size and placement in Britain will limit the amount of variation to pure-electric forms, it should offer a dual-motor all-wheel drive option in time.
Beyond this, the timing is less precise. However, Suzuki’s ageing model range is ripe for reinvention, and with this 24-month development programme in place, we could see a new Vitara, Swift or even an electric Jimny sooner than we might think. In fact, the Jimny’s fantastic success in the UK is proof that while many might consider Suzuki a niche player, with the right product the brand can certainly create a stir.
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