Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese based multinational company specializing in automobiles and small vehicles including scooters, wheelchairs, ATVs, and boats. Today the company employs over 45,000 people and was the 10th largest automaker in 2011.
Established in 1909, the company initially produced looms for the Japanese silk industry. Suzuki proved very successful and for 30 years focused solely on making weaving looms. In 1937 Suzuki decided to diversify and developed several innovative compact automobile prototypes but World War II halted their plans.
It wasn’t until 1952 that Suzuki would reenter the vehicle market with a groundbreaking bicycle motor that allowed the rider to pedal, pedal with assistance from the motor, or use only the motor. Suzuki received several government grants to continue to develop their motor and by 1954 officially changed their name to Suzuki Motor Corporation.
Suzuki quickly expanded beyond their “power-free” bicycle to develop cars, motorcycles and other small vehicles. In 1963 Suzuki officially entered the US market finding success primarily in sales of motorcycles. In 2012 Suzuki decided to cease selling cars in America and focus on selling motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and marine engines only.
