2009 Suzuki Equator

Suzuki launched its Equator pickup truck at the Chicago Auto Show in 2008. Based on the Nissan Frontier, the new truck is intended to help current Suzuki owners -- that is owners of Suzuki motorcycles, ATV and marine engines -- transport their toys to wherever they need to go.

Despite the decline in the U.S. truck market, Suzuki feels that its potential customers see a truck as a necessity rather than an extra. According to Suzuki, owners of motorcycles, ATVs and boats are 50% more likely to own a pickup than the average household. That stat does seem to make sense as owners of recreational vehicles would tend to need a vehicle that could get them and their toys to wherever they needed -- they're just currently using another brand's truck for their transportation needs.

In presenting the Equator, Suzuki showed three concept versions as examples of potential uses. The first was designed with off-road motorcyclists in mind. Dubbed the RMZ-4, the concept was equipped with an off-road package, as well as an in-bed tie-down system.

The second show truck to roll across Suzuki's stage was the Equator Quad. As the name implies, the Quad concept is desinged to carry ATVs. The truck adds even more off-road capability than the RMZ-4, as well as an extended bed for added cargo capacity.

The last show truck -- the Quay (pronounced Key) -- was designed with towing in mind. The truck emerged with a 20+ foot boat behind it, but Suzuki officials say the boat didn't even approach the trucks towing limit of 6,500 pounds.

The production site for the midsize truck is at Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee plant.