Many South Africans know of modern-day Suzuki with the likes of the ever-so-popular Jimny, Swift and Vitara models. Not only that, there's a rich motorcycle history, too. Our bike man, Lawrence Minnie, can tell you heaps of info in that regard. Did you know, though, that Suzuki, much like many famous manufacturers like Toyota, for example, had humble beginnings in Hamamatsu, Japan?
Related: Suzuki at Japan Mobility Show - Swift Concept, EVX and other vehicles shown!
Way back in 1909, Michio Suzuki founded Suzuki Loom Works in Hamamatsu, Japan. Back then, weaving looms was big business in Japan, and Michio Suzuki was an innovator of note. Michio invented a new type of weaving machine to make complex patterns and setups much easier to do. He mostly did it to make weaving easier for his mother. With this new machine, orders poured in from overseas, and this lasted for quite a while. We'll speak briefly about what we saw during our visit.
Feel free to browse the images in this article's gallery for more interesting sights.
A brief chat about motorcycles
As time and world events progressed, many Japanese looming companies diversified their product line-up. In Suzuki's case, one such product was an attachable gasoline-powered engine to bicycles as a form of cheap and reliable personal transportation. Thus, the famous "Power Free" model was born and was a roaring success. The success didn't stop there as one of Suzuki's successful automobiles, the Suzuki Suzulight, also came into being. The 1950s was a prolific time for Suzuki.
Talking about the Fronte
The Suzuki steam train didn't show any sign of stopping. Vehicles like the Fronte took a different approach to the Suzulight with the ever-rising demands for family-use vehicles that also had a stylish look to them. The Fronte 360SS in the 1960s even made its way to a high-speed test on the Autostrada del Sole riding route in Italy between Milan and Naples. Two vehicles completed the 750km route, achieving an average speed of 122.4kmh. This further proved the performance and endurance of Suzuki vehicles. The Fronte was an essential vehicle for Suzuki.
The Jimny
The LJ10 was where it all started in the 1970s. Suzuki purchased a Steyr-Puch Haflinger to examine with the intent of building their own kei-class (Japanese automobile regulation.) off-road vehicle; soon after, Suzuki purchased Hope Motor Company, who made their own tiny off-road vehicle. With the knowledge and know-how from these companies, Suzuki thus created the LJ10 (LJ meaning 'Light Jeep'). Thus, The Jimny became a world phenomenon and is still highly regarded with its latest model.
Compact vehicles
Vehicles like the Alto, Cultus, Ignis and Swift appeared over the years as dependable, affordable and vehicles filled with character. Suzuki did experiments along the way with sports variants, rally vehicles and more. Even the famous Cappucino in cult car circles was displayed here. Interestingly, the very same Cappucino on display here was used as the model for the car appearing in the coveted Gran Turismo video game series. Many rare models like the X90 and 90s turbocharged sports cars, and even celebrity-signed vehicles were on display here.
The Suzuki Plaza was a treat of note. Regardless of if you're a Suzuki fan or a casual car person. It's a lovely museum to visit if you intend to visit Japan for a holiday.
