One Suzuki Kick-Off Ride Marks Start of Suzuki Philippines’ Golden Year

Suzuki Philippines marked the beginning of its milestone 50th Anniversary celebration with the
One Suzuki Kick-Off Ride, an extraordinary two-day event held on January 28-29, 2025. This
unique gathering brought together Suzuki’s Motorcycle, Automobile, and Marine Divisions as
One Suzuki Family, setting the tone for an exciting year ahead.

Suzuki Philippines President, Mr. Koichiro Hirao, emphasized the significance of this event,
“Suzuki has been part of the lives of millions of Filipinos for five decades. From motorcycles
to automobiles to marine products, our vehicles have become life companions—on and beyond
the road. Today, we invite you to experience the full breadth of the Suzuki story and continue
to build a brighter future together.”

Managing Director Mr. Norminio Mojica echoed this sentiment, highlighting Suzuki’s strong
presence in the country. “Suzuki is within the top five automotive brands in the Philippines
across all divisions, with over 4,200 network outlets nationwide. This success is not just due
to our quality products, but also to the strong relationships we’ve built with our dealer network
and media friends.”

The event was graced by 62 top-tier media personalities and influencers from 57 networks
and publications, making it one of Suzuki’s most significant engagements to date. The
adventure began with a thrilling ride from Suzuki Philippines’ plant in Canlubang, Laguna.
Motorcycle media experienced the power and performance of various Suzuki motorcycle
models – Raider R150 Fi, Smash Fi, Burgman Street Standard and EX variants, GIXXER Series
(both the 250cc and 155cc models) and the V-STROM 250 SX, while automotive media took
the Jimny 5-Door and XL7 Hybrid on a scenic drive to the breathtaking Pico de Loro. After a
fulfilling lunch, attendees were treated to an exhilarating boat ride experience showcasing
Suzuki’s high-performance outboard motors. Nine speed boats powered by Suzuki’s Twin
DF300 and DF350s took the participants across the waters of Nasugbu, Batangas which lasted
until sunset, allowing guests to witness the stunning seascape.

The whole experience was designed to highlight the brand’s common manufacturing
engineering philosophy across all divisions which revolves around power, speed, quality and
reliability while keeping its commitment to sustainability.

The first day of the event concluded with a relaxing beachfront dinner and social gathering,
complete with entertainment, exciting raffles, and engaging games. This provided an
opportunity for the media to bond with Suzuki executives and fellow participants,
strengthening the camaraderie among the Suzuki family.

Automobile Division Director and General Manager Mr. Norihide Takei underscored the
company’s continued growth, sharing, “Suzuki Automobile achieved a more than 10% growth
in 2024, surpassing the industry average. This reflects the trust and love Filipinos have for
Suzuki vehicles, from the iconic Jimny 3-Door to our latest innovations, the Jimny 5-Door and
XL7 Hybrid. Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce more remarkable products that will
continue making a difference in people’s lives.”

Meanwhile, Motorcycle Division Head Mr. Jose Salavarria spoke on Suzuki’s rich heritage,
saying, “Suzuki’s journey in the Philippines started with motorcycles in the 1950s. Today, we
have 30 models in our lineup, 12 of which are proudly manufactured in the Philippines. Our
Laguna plant caters not only to local demand but also to export markets in neighboring Asian
countries. Our commitment to innovation will continue, ensuring we provide the latest
technology to meet Filipinos’ mobility needs.”

Speaking on behalf of Marine and After Sales Service Division, Mr. Yukio Sato, the General
Manager added, “The Philippines, with its rich maritime culture, provided the perfect
environment for Suzuki to offer reliable, efficient outboard motors to meet the needs of boat
operators, and recreational boaters. Whether it was small engines for smaller boats or highpowered motors for larger vessels, Suzuki quickly became synonymous with reliability. Our
outboards allowed every Filipino, whether navigating calm waters or tackling rough seas, to
have confidence in the quality and performance of their Suzuki product.”

He also underscored that Suzuki’s commitment to provide the best After Sales Service that
purchasing a motorcycle, automobile or an outboard motor is a significant investment and the
responsibility goes beyond the point of sale. Suzuki guarantees to be there with the Customers
every step of the way, ensuring that your Suzuki product performs at its best, year after year.

The next day saw the participants’ enthusiastic hands-on test drive session of the brand’s
motorcycles and automobiles, further reinforcing Suzuki’s innovative mobility solutions. Both
riders and drivers shared the same optimistic feedback of the vehicles’ performance.

The One Suzuki Kick-Off Ride is just the beginning of a year-long celebration, with Suzuki
Philippines gearing up for an even bigger anniversary event in the middle of 2025. As the
company moves forward, the executives also hinted new models to be launched during their
golden year. Suzuki is committed to its legacy of providing high-quality, reliable and
innovative mobility solutions towards carbon neutrality continuing be the Filipinos’ Life
Companion On and Beyond the Road.

Suzuki Philippines Incorporated is a wholly-owned Japanese multinational firm highly recognized in the automotive industry. The company specializes in the manufacture and sale of motorcycles and the distribution of compact vehicles and outboard motors. Suzuki has established its reputation worldwide for quality, versatility, and innovation, and has created a heritage of trust and reliability.

Suzuki began its presence in the Philippines in the 1950s when Rufino D. Antonio and Associates, Inc. took on the role of handling the nationwide distribution of Suzuki Motorcycles in the Philippines. In July 10, 1975, a joint venture was formed between Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. Japan and Rufino D. Antonio and Associates, Inc., creating the Antonio Suzuki Corporation which established the groundwork for the brand’s 50th Anniversary in 2025.

In 1985, the company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation Japan wherein the company name was changed to Suzuki Philippines Incorporated. Suzuki Philippines has been at the forefront of providing innovative, reliable, and perfectly suited motorcycles to the needs of
Filipino riders. Among the first models were the iconic B120, GP1000, GP125, TS100, and TS125 which quickly earned their place in the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts. These paved the way for the current models designed to provide efficiency, power and style such as the the much loved Hayabusa, V-STROM, Raider, Smash, Gixxer and Burgman motorcycles to name a few.

In 1988, Suzuki ventured into the automotive industry through Pilipinas Transport Industries Inc., introducing its first line up of vehicles, starting with the Samurai 4WD with 1.3L engine and the Super Carry.

In 1999, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated took over the operations greatly strengthening the capability of the brand in the 4-wheel category. Succeeding Suzuki vehicles have since become a part of many Filipino lifestyles like the Vitara, Jimny, Alto, Swfits, Celerio, APV, Ertiga, S-Presso and XL7 – known for their compact designs, efficiency and reliability.

In 2012, Suzuki Philippines moved in a 126,000sqm facility here in Laguna to accommodate localization and expansion program in the country. In 2016, Suzuki Philippines made another bold move by bringing its outboard engine in the country making it the only integrated Motorcycle, Automobile and Outboard Motor Company in the Philippines. With this addition, Suzuki became the only company offering vehicles for both land and water, further solidifying its reputation for innovation and versatility.

Follow the latest about Suzuki at suzuki.com.ph and on each division’s digital channels:

Motorcycle: W: mc.suzuki.com.ph | FB and YT: @suzukimotorcyclesphilippines | IG and Tiktok: @suzukimotorsph

Automobile: W: auto.suzuki.com.ph | FB: @suzukiautoph | YT: @suzukiautophilippines | IG: @suzukiautoph

Marine: W: suzuki.com.ph/marine | FB and YT: @suzukimarineph | IG: @suzukimarine.ph

credit: Suzuki Philippines