Suzuki's first production car, the Suzulight in 1955


(October 6, 2023) Japan's Suzuki Motor Corporation had achieved accumulated worldwide automobile sales of 80 million units by the end of August 2023. The breakdown of the sales units are 28.9 million units in Japan and 51.27 million units in overseas. The breakdown of the areas are Japan 36%, India 32.6%, Europe 10%, Asia 13.5%, and others (Latin America, Oceania, Middle East, Africa, etc.) 7.8%.

Since the launch of Japan’s first mass-production mini vehicle, Suzulight in October 1955, Suzuki has been delivering creative products that meet the customer needs, in line with the innovation and development of mini vehicles. The launch of Fronte 800 in 1965 marked Suzuki’s debut in the compact vehicles.

Overseas sales started from the export of Suzulight in 1959. In 1975, Suzuki’s first overseas automobile production started in Pakistan, and has since proactively expanded the overseas production bases including India in 1983 and Hungary in 1992. In India, the plants have become a production hub not only for the Indian domestic market but they also play a role for exports to destinations including Africa.

Various Suzuki models were sold in the United States from 1985 through 2012 and under various nameplates including the Chevrolet Sprint. Many people who think of Suzuki remember the "Consumer Reprts debacle" when Consumers Union rolled a Samurai in nomral driving in 1988. They rated it "unacceptable." Samurai sales plummeted because of the report.

Up to this date, Suzuki has 15 automobile production bases in 10 countries including Japan. Suzuki automobiles are favored in 184 countries and regions worldwide.



Alto, which was launched in 1979 accounts for 20% of the 80 million units. Over the past 44 years since its launch, Alto has been favored by customers and has become one of the models that represent Japanese mini vehicles. Starting as a Japanese mini vehicle, Alto has expanded worldwide, especially in India where it has largely contributed to Suzuki’s sales in the country.

"We are grateful to be favored by such many customers. Alto is our top-selling model, and it has played a very significant role for Suzuki’s mini vehicles as well as for the history of the company itself. We will make further efforts to provide value that expresses our manufacturing core of 'Sho, Sho, Kei, Tan, Bi (Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, Beauty)' by standing once again on the origin of “customer-focused value, a spirit which has been passed on from our founder," said Toru Muraki, CEO.

"We will continue providing eco-friendly products and services that support daily transportation of customers throughout the world, and are always beside to become a reliable, buddy-like lifestyle partner."