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2 millionth Hungarian-made vehicle rolls off at Magyar Suzuki

The 2 millionth Hungarian-made vehicle has rolled off the production line in the Esztergom plant of Magyar Suzuki Corporation (MSC). The ceremony did not just celebrate the 2 million vehicles landmark, it also commemorated another anniversary, namely that the company was founded 20 years ago. The car, an "ablaze red" new Suzuki Swift, was driven off by Zsolt Gyulay, the Vice-President of the Hungarian Olympic Committee and Olympic athletes. A double jubilee was celebrated in the 20-year-old Esztergom factory as the 2 millionth unit was rolled out of Magyar Suzuki's assembly shop.

Hisashi Takeuchi, CEO of Magyar Suzuki Corporation expressed his thanks and appreciation to all who have been taking part in the hard work, and in the success of producing 2 million Hungarian-made vehicles.

"I feel privileged being the Head of Magyar Suzuki on such a great day when this unprecedented achievement is realized, something that we can all be really proud of," he said.

Mr. Takeuchi also announced that following this special event, dedicated to the 2 millionth unit and the 20th anniversary of the Company, 20 lucky future Suzuki customers will gain the right to buy a Hungarian-made Suzuki model with a discount of 2 million HUF. The only requirement is that they must register for a test drive at any of the Hungarian dealerships countrywide, between 15 July and 30 September.

High ranking representatives of the Hungarian Olympic Committee (Magyar Olimpiau Bizottság : MOB), including President Zsolt Borkai, also attended the event and the 'jubilee Swift' was driven off the production line by distinguished Olympic champions. Magyar Suzuki has an agreement with MOB for the 4-year Olympiad, according to which MSC provides sportsmen, their trainers, sports leaders and managers with a Suzuki car fleet.

Magyar Suzuki Corporation:
The company was established by its major shareholder Suzuki Motor Corporation together with other business partners in 1991. The first model was the first generation Swift in Hungary, which rolled off the production line in 1992, followed by Wagon R+ in 2000, Ignis in 2003, the 2nd generation Swift in 2005, SX4 in 2006, Splash in 2008 and the new Swift in June 2010. All models currently manufactured in Esztergom are built with engines complying with Euro 5 environmental standards. Throughout the past two decades, MSC has steadily grown to play a major role not only in Hungary's automotive market but in Europe as well, as the Hungarian factory is Suzuki Motor Corporation's sole manufacturing subsidiary on the Continent serving European markets with automobiles. Since the establishment of MSC, the Esztergom factory has undergone several expansions from the original greenfield investment. Currently operation take place in five shop units (stamping, welding, painting, assembly and bumper). A series of investments followed one another in the last 20 years including the peak period of the factory between 2003-2008 under the era of Suzuki's European Renaissance Program, which had the major objectives of heavily expanding the European network of distributors as well as preparing the manufacturing company for the production of 300,000 units. The latter objective was almost achieved with more than 280,000 vehicles produced in 2008. Through its export activities MSC provides cars to European countries but also to Japan, Russia, Ukraine, as well as to the Middle East and to the Middle East and some Northern African territories like Israel or Morocco.

In addition to the 3,500 jobs at the Suzuki factory, the company provides work opportunities for thousands of people in Hungary through its circle of suppliers and dealers. Besides production for the European and domestic markets, MSC carries out other commercial activities such as selling imported cars, motorcycles and outboard motors. The imported models of the cutting edge technology bikes from the parent company, SMC Japan, are supported by one of the greatest dealership networks in Hungary taking care of customer needs, entrusted to live up to the expectations of customers with our wide range of offers. Magyar Suzuki Corporation plays a significant role within the region in the motorcycle business providing motorcycles to eight countries (Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bosnia, Kosovo and Montenegro).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Major milestones of Magyar Suzuki Corporation

1991
・ Magyar Suzuki Corporation established. The owners: Suzuki Motor Corporation, Itochu Corporation, IFC and Autókonszern Corporation.
・ Foundation stone laid at Esztergom. Total investment value: HUF 14 billion

1992
・ Test production launched. Mass production of 1,000 cc and 1,300 cc five-door Swift starts.
・ Sale of Hungarian-built Suzukis begins.

1993
・ According to the New Car Sales list, Suzuki is the most popular car in Hungary.
・ 10,000th Hungarian Suzuki sold.
・ Production of four-door Swift sedan launched.

1994
・ 25,000th Suzuki produced in Hungary sold.
・ Exports of Hungarian Suzukis begin.

1996
・ 100,000th Suzuki produced in Hungary.

1997
・ Fifth anniversary of launch of production of "Our car"!

1999
・ 250,000th Swift produced in Hungary.
・ 100,000th Swift sold in Hungary.

2000
・ Mass production of Wagon R+ launched.

2001
・ Suzuki Liana, imported from Japan, presented in Hungary.

2002
・ 10th anniversary of launch of production in Esztergom.
・ Sale of two new models: the 5-seat Wagon R+ and Liana launched.

2003
・ HUF 100 billion investment to increase production volume and develop technology.
・ Unveiling ceremony of Ignis held at Esztergom; mass production of model begins.

2004
・ Manufacturing of diesel Wagon R+ and Ignis starts.
・ Production of Ignis Super 1600 launched in Esztergom.

2005
・ New Swift model unveiled on February 4. The new model is the flagship of Suzuki‘s Way of Life! philosophy, representing a new direction with its dynamism, looks and technical parameters.

2006
・ On February 27, the first SX4 family leisure vehicle rolls off the assembly line.
・ One-millionth car produced at Magyar Suzuki Corporation's Esztergom plant in October.

2007
・ Sale of SX4 sedan launched.
・ Suzuki opens kindergarten for employees' children in Esztergom.

2008
・ As a result of several years of expansion and innovation, the company reaches a production capacity of 300,000 cars per year.
・ Spring starts with Splash rolling off the production line. The all-new model is set to conquer the market with its state-of-the-art technology, low consumption, minimized CO2 emission and lively looks.
・ MSC founds Puskás-Suzuki Cup jointly with Ferenc Puskás Football Academy.
・ Magyar Suzuki Corporation becomes Diamond Sponsor of the Hungarian Olympic Team.
・ 1.5 millionth Suzuki manufactured in September.

2010
・ New Swift rolls off the assembly line on June 10. After the first in 1992 and the second in 2005, this is the third generation of the highly popular model produced in Hungary.

Ownership Structure

Suzuki Motor Corporation 97.52 %
ITOCHU Corporation 2.46 %
Hungarian shareholders 0.02 %