Suzuki has long been an also ran in the United States market, but the Japanese automaker is working hard to turn its reputation around, starting with the all-new Kizashi sedan. However, little is in the pipeline beyond the Kizashi, but Suzuki could be planning a North American launch for its popular Swift model.
Suzuki hasn’t officially given the green light to a U.S.-spec version of its Swift hatchback, but Suzuki head engineer Takashi Nakayama has revealed to Car and Driver that the next iteration of the car is being designed to comply with U.S. crash and emission regulations.
Suzuki did consider bringing the current version of the Swift to the U.S. but ultimately decided to scrap those plans as Americans heavily prefer larger vehicles. However, since gas topped $4 a gallon around the country, more buyers are choosing fuel efficient vehicles, leaving thousands of sales on the table for Suzuki. Moreover, the Swift sells in healthy numbers in Japan and Europe.
If the Swift does make it to the U.S., don’t expect to see it on dealers’ lots until at least 2011. The next-generation of the car will bow globally in 2011, but it could take some extra time to make the Swift U.S. legal.
