Suzuki’s future U.S. product plans depend on Kizashi’s performance

2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Depending on how well the new 2010 Kizashi sells in the U.S., Suzuki will decided whether or not to offer the next-generation Swift subcompact to us on the stateside. Performance of the Kizashi will also help officials determine whether or not to offer a V6 variant of its new mid-size sedan.

Speaking to the media at a recent press conference at the company’s headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, Senior Managing Executive Officer, and Executive General Manager, Automobile Engineering Takashi Nakayama said that the Swift could be made to meet U.S. regulations if the Japanese automaker decides to do so.

Before 2009 sales faced a significant decline, a third-generation of the Swift for the U.S. was almost a done deal. However, the company is now reconsidering the model due to the expenses involved with certifying the Swift for the U.S. market.

During the launch of the U.S. launch of the Kizashi, Suzuki showed off a 260-hp V6 prototype – a hybrid model is also in the works.

2010 Suzuki Kizashi:

– By: Omar Rana

Source: WOT