Suzuki looking into hybrids and electric-vehicles

Suzuki, which was recently told by analysts to give up on the American market, is working hard to expand its small fuel-efficient vehicle lineup. According to Japan’s Nikkei newspaper, Suzuki has set aside R&D money to study the possibility of hybrids and electric-vehicles with a focus on larger platforms.

The Kizashi Concept, which made its debut in 2007, was considered to be a possible candidate for a large hybrid vehicle. It has yet to be confirmed whether Suzuki will offer a hybrid variant of its upcoming Kizashi 3 sedan.

Nonetheless, the Japanese automaker is restructuring its R&D division with one unit working on electric-vehicles and the other unit working on hybrids with longtime partner General Motors. A third unit is also working on Suzuki-developed hybrids and conventional gasoline engines.

Just to throw this out there – IHS Global Insight says that Suzuki has just $1.1 billion to spend on R&D (just $1.1 billion? maybe they should apply for a government loan or something).

– By: Kap Shah

Source: Green Car Advisor (via AllCarsElectric)