Fiat Auto president and chief executive officer Giancarlo Boschetti, of S.p.A., and Suzuki Motor Corporation chairman and CEO Osamu Suzuki on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop a new sport utility vehicle (SUV).


At a press conference in Budapest, Boschetti and Suzuki stressed that the new vehicles will be distinctively styled.


The new SUVs will be based on Suzuki’s new A-segment platform and production will begin in the second half of 2005 at the Magyar Suzuki Corporation facility in Estergom, near Budapest, Hungary.


The five-door models will have both diesel and petrol engines. Fiat Auto and Suzuki will distribute the SUVs independently through their own dealership networks.


No financial details were disclosed.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Suzuki produces Chevrolet-badged derivatives of its Vitara/Escudo SUV for General Motors at plants in Canada and Brazil and has also jointly developed a small minivan with GM’s Opel unit for sale in Europe. Opel’s version is made in Poland while the Suzuki model is built at the Magyar plant in Hungary.