[scootn56]

Has anyone heard about American Suzuki Motorcycles going out of business?
I stopped at my local Suzuki Dealership today and looked at a new 2012 Burgman 400. As I sat on it the guy at the desk announced to me that he couldn't sell me that bike if I wanted it because Suzuki informed him yesterday they were going out of business and he couldn't sell any more of their bikes. They also told him that they would be there next week to pick up all the Suzuki's he had. This news really shocked me. I knew about the Suzuki Auto's going out but I thought that would not affect the Motorcycles. I kept thinking that he was joking but he went on to say they informed him of this after they just sent him three new bikes last week.
Does anyone else have any news to support or refute this information?
I look forever almost before buying a bike but was very tempted with the Zero % financing.
If this is true looks like I may not be looking at new Suzuki's anymore. My eternal procrastination about buying may have cost me big this time.

 

[scootn56]

Well ,I checked before writing this question but, it took so long for me to write it down that Noth posted more information before I got mine posted. if I had only waited 15 minutes I would have had my answer. You know now why I don't text. LOL

 

[QuantumRift]

Suzuki motorcycles seems to be going strong; it's the automotive side that's took it on the chin, but that's OLD NEWS. They closed down their American auto sales to focus on motorcycles. So I can't imagine what that dealer was saying and on what basis.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/07/amer ... -business/

http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/11/05/am ... ankruptcy/


Since this story was posted, Steve Bortolamedi, senior communications manager of the motorcycle/ATV division, responded to our inquiry about the American Suzuki Motor Corporation bankruptcy filing and restructuring of the company.

“We’re moving forward,” said Bortolamedi by telephone. “It’s difficult to talk about positives when you lost people [from ASMC]. The whole purpose, though, is so Suzuki can focus on its core strengths in the U.S. markets. Ultimately, [Suzuki Motor Corporation Japan] will invest even more in our product. As the smoke clears, we’ll be more positive. There is a light, and we’re excited about that. Suzuki has done everything we can to protect our customers and our motorcycle and marine dealers. The dealer meeting [November 10-12, 2012] is our fourth phase of product introduction. ASMC plans to have exciting new motorcycles, ATVs and scooters each and every year moving forward. This is all about Suzuki wanting to focus on its core strengths in the U.S. market.”

Bortolamedi added that there would be “minimal impact on the structure of the motorcycle/ATV business” in the short term, and reiterated that Suzuki would be making investments in the reformed ASMC in the long term. When we discussed the state of ASMC’s business over the past four years, particularly the “skipped” 2010 model year, Bortolamedi replied, “In 2010 we took a different approach. We stood back and decided not to overwhelm our dealers with too much product. When you skip a model year, it affects your R&D, but we are now moving forward and you’ll see new product start to get released.”

 

[scootn56]

Yes it appears that this dealer is one of the ones that will not have their contract renewed by Suzuki. While that's unfortunate, I'm glad to know that Suzuki will continue to have an active network in the USA. I don't currently own a Suzuki but I'm glad that I will continue to have the opportunity to purchase one if I decide to.

 

[v8eyedoc]

The Suzuki automobile division in the USA never had much market penetration anyway!!! SO...!!!!! No big loss at all :thumbup: :thumbup:

 

[Noth]

Inevitable duplicate topic (sort of).. The dealer was not correct.. but from his perspective Suzuki is gone.. as he has been terminated by Suzuki for under performance..

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