Suzuki Philippines has officially launched its milestone 50th Anniversary celebration with the One Suzuki Kick-Off Ride, a spectacular two-day event held on January 28-29, 2025. Bringing together Suzuki’s Motorcycle, Automobile, and Marine Divisions as One Suzuki Family, the event set the stage for an exciting year ahead.
Suzuki Philippines President, Mr. Koichiro Hirao, highlighted the event’s significance, stating, “Suzuki has been part of millions of Filipino lives for five decades. From motorcycles to automobiles to marine products, our vehicles have been trusted companions on and beyond the road. Today, we invite you to experience the full Suzuki story and help us build a brighter future together.”
Managing Director Mr. Norminio Mojica echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Suzuki’s strong presence in the country. “Suzuki ranks among the top five automotive brands in the Philippines across all divisions, with over 4,200 network outlets nationwide. Our success is driven not only by our quality products but also by the strong relationships we’ve built with our dealer network and media partners.”
A Thrilling Showcase of Suzuki Innovation
The event welcomed 62 top-tier media personalities and influencers from 57 networks and publications, making it one of Suzuki’s most significant engagements to date. It kicked off with a dynamic ride from Suzuki Philippines’ plant in Canlubang, Laguna. Motorcycle media had the chance to experience Suzuki’s impressive lineup, including the Raider R150 Fi, Smash Fi, Burgman Street Standard and EX variants, GIXXER Series (250cc and 155cc models), and the V-STROM 250 SX. Meanwhile, automotive media put the Jimny 5-Door and XL7 Hybrid to the test on a scenic drive to the stunning Pico de Loro.
Adding to the excitement, participants were treated to a thrilling boat ride powered by Suzuki’s high-performance outboard motors. Nine speed boats equipped with Suzuki’s Twin DF300 and DF350s sped across the waters of Nasugbu, Batangas, allowing guests to witness a breathtaking seascape at sunset.
The entire experience underscored Suzuki’s shared engineering philosophy across all divisions—delivering power, speed, quality, and reliability while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.
Strengthening the Suzuki Family Bond
The first day concluded with a relaxing beachfront dinner and social gathering, featuring entertainment, raffles, and games. This provided a valuable opportunity for media attendees to connect with Suzuki executives and fellow participants, further strengthening the Suzuki family bond.
Automobile Division Director and General Manager Mr. Norihide Takei shared the company’s remarkable growth, stating, “Suzuki Automobile achieved over 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 even more groundbreaking models that will continue making a difference in people’s lives.”
Meanwhile, Motorcycle Division Head Mr. Jose Salavarria spoke about Suzuki’s deep-rooted history in the Philippines. “Suzuki’s journey in the country began with motorcycles in the 1950s. Today, we proudly produce 12 of our 30 models locally, with our Laguna plant catering to both the Philippine market and neighboring Asian countries. Our commitment to innovation remains strong, ensuring we continue delivering the latest technology to meet Filipinos’ mobility needs.”
Marine and After Sales Service Division General Manager Mr. Yukio Sato also highlighted Suzuki’s impact on the maritime industry. “The Philippines, with its rich maritime culture, is the perfect environment for Suzuki to provide reliable and efficient outboard motors. Whether for small boats or high-powered vessels, Suzuki has become synonymous with quality and performance, empowering boat operators and recreational boaters alike.”
He further emphasized Suzuki’s dedication to After Sales Service, stating, “Purchasing a Suzuki product is a significant investment, and our responsibility extends beyond the point of sale. We are committed to supporting our customers every step of the way, ensuring their Suzuki motorcycles, automobiles, and outboard motors continue to perform at their best, year after year.”
Looking Ahead to a Historic Year
On the second day, participants engaged in an exciting hands-on test drive session, further solidifying Suzuki’s reputation for innovative mobility solutions. Both riders and drivers praised the exceptional performance of Suzuki’s vehicles, reinforcing their trust in the brand.
The One Suzuki Kick-Off Ride is just the beginning of a year-long celebration. Suzuki Philippines is preparing for an even bigger anniversary event in mid-2025, with executives hinting at the launch of new models throughout the golden year. As Suzuki continues its legacy of providing high-quality, reliable, and innovative mobility solutions, it remains committed to its vision of achieving carbon neutrality while being Filipinos’ Life Companion On and Beyond the Road.
