2011 Suzuki Kizashi Earns Highest Satisfaction Rating in J.D. Power Study

BREA, Calif., July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its North American debut, the Suzuki Kizashi midsize sports sedan has earned significant praise from automotive media and consumers alike. With the release of J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Automotive Performance Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, that praise has been validated once again with the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi registering the highest total overall score among all new purchased or leased midsize cars sold in the United States. The Kizashi outperformed 19 other midsize competitors to earn the top award in the category, including earning the top spot in more than half of the individual category ratings. The median buyer profile also averaged 10 years younger and with higher income than the midsize segment average. This recognition follows other consumer satisfaction awards including the announcement earlier this summer that the Kizashi topped AutoPacific's annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) for the second consecutive year.

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"This is another great accomplishment for Suzuki, the combination of the J.D. Power and Associates' APEAL Award and the recent AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award affirms that Suzuki is bringing passion back into the midsize sedan category," said Steve Younan, director of product planning and marketing, American Suzuki. "We are proud of the Kizashi and this recognition from our owners is a strong testament to the hard work that our engineers, designers, and planners have put into this exciting vehicle."

With sales up more than 55% this year, the Kizashi is Suzuki's most significant entry to date in the competitive midsize sedan segment. With its Autobahn-tuned suspension, unexpected level of standard content and a sub-$20,000 window sticker, Suzuki's sport sedan is resonating with an audience looking for entry-level luxury without the near-luxury price point. Propelled by a four cylinder, 2.4-liter engine producing 185 horsepower, the Kizashi offers rare options in its class such as a traction enhancing All-Wheel Drive system as well as a highly-equipped 6-speed manual transmission model. The Kizashi builds on the global success enjoyed by the company that produces the world-renowned Swift, SX4 Crossover, Grand Vitara compact SUV, as well as a celebrated lineup of motorcycles, ATVs and marine engines.

Each year, J.D. Power and Associates surveys tens of thousands of new-vehicle buyers, asking them about their purchase experience, their new vehicle's quality, their service experience at the dealer, and what they like and dislike about their new vehicle. The J.D. Power and Associates' APEAL Study examines how satisfying a new vehicle is to own and drive based on owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicle attributes. The 2011 APEAL Study is based on responses gathered between February and May 2011 from more than 73,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2011 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership. Additional information and the complete results from this year's APEAL Study can be found online at www.jdpower.com.

2011 Suzuki Auto Product Line

Suzuki is proud to offer the most affordable all-wheel drive lineup available in the U.S. and maintains a versatile collection of vehicles that fits most lifestyles and budgets, including the auto voted the most satisfying car in America, the performance oriented Kizashi sport sedan; the most affordable car in America with standard navigation, the SX4 Sport 4-door; the most affordable all-wheel drive vehicle in America, the SX4 Crossover; the Grand Vitara, featuring 4-Mode 4WD providing true off-road capability, and the award-winning Equator truck. Every vehicle in the line provides Suzuki's standout virtues of durability, leading-edge style and high content at a competitive price. All 2011 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America's #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully-transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

About Suzuki Auto

The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 270 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2010, SMC sold more than two and a half million new cars and trucks and more than three million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 193 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com. Suzuki can also be found on Twitter (@SuzukiAuto), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SuzukiAuto) and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/SuzukiAutomotive).

SOURCE American Suzuki Motor Corp.

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