Category: Jimny

Suzuki Philippines introduces 2019 Jimny ahead of schedule and at a lower price than promised

Gelzon de la Cruz

Taguig City, 08 March 2019–With their surprise move of introducing the fourth-generation 2019 Jimny here today, just nine months after it was launched globally last year and four months before the date they had previously named for its commercial introduction, Suzuki Philippines seems to have crowd-sourced some heavy-hitting clout with the Japan head office both for and with the all-new 4×4 mini off-roader.

At the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) last October, they exhibited a handful of left-hand drive 2019 Jimny units because of what Suzuki Philippines general manager for automobiles Mr. Shuzo Hoshikura described as the thousands of inquires they had received asking if and when the new Jimny model would be introduced here–inquiries that were sparked by the speculations of a few aficionados after the new model was globally introduced last year. Pressed for when the Jimny would be available here in real commercial numbers, Hoshikura said in July or August, and at a base price of P1.1M.

Now, just nine months after the new model was introduced globally last June, after advanced orders they received at PIMS might have tipped the scales even further, and four months before Hoshikura’s promised arrival date in July at the soonest, Suzuki Philippines startles us once again with the early unveiling of the 2019 Jimny All-Grip Pro 4×4 off-roader. Unveiled and put on display at the Bonifacio High Street Ampitheater in Taguig City today until Sunday, March 10, the 2019 Jimny lists even lower than the initially promised price of PhP1.1M but notched above the P0.910 to P0.960M price of the previous generation model and with that All-Grip Pro label that distinguishes it from the previous model Jimny of which they might have some lingering stocks.

The Philippine-market Jimny’s AllGrip Pro label refers to Suzuki’s categorization of its four-wheel-drive drivelines (full-time all-wheel-drive AllGrip Auto, part-time all-wheel-drive AllGrip Select, and on-demand 4×4 low or high drive AllGrip Pro). And, like the previous generation Jimny, this new model is also assembled in and shipped over from Japan.

The 2019 Jimny AllGrip Pro will be available in the following variants and at the corresponding price points:

  • GL 1.5L M/T in monotone finish at PhP0.975M
  • GL 1.5L A/T in monotone finish at PhP1.035M
  • GLX 1.5L A/T in monotone finish at PhP 1.085M
  • GLX 1.5L A/T in two-tone finish at PhP1.095M

Suzuki showcases 2019 Jimny at PIMS 2018, credits thousands of local inquiries as reason for early introduction here

Gelzon de la Cruz1 Comment

Recall how the new 2019 Jimny was launched globally and from Suzuki’s Japan base just some months ago? How about when motoring industry observers loudly asked if Suzuki was bringing what some have described as a scaled down cross between the full-sized FJ Cruiser model and all those Hummer lines here, to the Philippines? Recall or be at all aware of these recent events, you’d then be surprised by the new Jimny now being actually shown here by Suzuki Philippines at the Philippine International Motorshow being mounted at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay City until Sunday, October 28.

The Jimny being launched globally and then so quickly introduced here, that can’t just be because of the clamor that we raised, asking, de-facto demanding, that the mini 4×4 off-roader be brought to the Philippine market, right? But, apparently, and according to Suzuki Philippines VP and General Manager for Automobiles Mr. Shuzo Hoshikura, that’s exactly why they’ve brought in a handful of Philippine-spec’d left-hand drive 2019 Jimny units, because of what he described as the thousands of inquiries they’ve received, all sparked by the speculation of a few aficionados.

In what was certainly the youngest vibe’d carmaker presentation on the opening day of PIMS, a show that featured rock singer Bamboo who drew in what felt like the whole huge WTC hall, Suzuki showcased the new 2019 Jimny, showcased the new model that Hoshikura says they’ll be listing at around P1.1M when they bring in commercial volumes by July or August next year. Yup, the new Jimny is here for you to inspect at PIMS until this Sunday, and then later on at numerous Suzuki showrooms, but Hoshikura makes it clear that any orders they get won’t be filled until the third quarter of next year.

But, despite the anticlimactic wait after the Jimny’s de-facto launch this week, Hoshikura emphasizes that it’s still a surprisingly short timeline for the new model’s eventual arrival at our shores. For this, Hoshikura gives full credit to the folks whose thousands of inquiries helped Suzuki Philippines speed things up with Suzuki Japan.

Press Statement by Suzuki Philippines, “Suzuki Philippines previews 2019 Jimny at 7th Philippine International Motor Show,” 2018:

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MANILA, PHILIPPINES. | 24 October 2018 — Suzuki Philippines, the country’s pioneer compact car distributor, demonstrates its continued efforts to innovate and offer Filipinos vehicles that serve as their partners in life, moving with them now and toward the future, with a special preview of the all-new Jimny at this year’s Philippine International Motor Show.

SPH showcases its lineup of innovative vehicles and gives a peek into next-generation cars combining fuel economy, distinct styling, and innovative features and functions in line with PIMS 2018’s theme of Future Mobility. The trade event, which runs from October 24 to 28 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, features the latest and upcoming technologies in the Philippine automotive industry.

SPH’s booth underscores not just how the brand has been growing and evolving but also, and more importantly, how its range of innovative vehicles continues to improve to provide the best driving experience now and in the future. Suzuki’s booth presents how the company continues to upgrade its current vehicle lineup to become future-ready vehicles that are compact yet powerful enough to handle Filipinos’ driving needs, in particular in highly urbanized areas.

Shuzo Hoshikura, vice president and general manager of Suzuki Philippines for Automobile, shares his excitement for this year’s PIMS. “Suzuki has been for several years now an active participant in the Philippine International Motor Show. PIMS has been a strong platform for us to connect with our supporters much more directly and show them how we continue to upgrade the Suzuki vehicles they have loved. This and the clamor of the local motoring fans, we believe that this event is the perfect avenue for the first preview of the soon-to-be-launched Jimny, which has been one of the hot topics in the local and global motoring industry. We want to give our Filipino supporters an opportunity to check it out for themselves here at PIMS ahead of the official launch,” Hoshikura said.

The highlight of SPH’s participation at this year’s PIMS is the most-awaited local appearance of the new Jimny. Amid growing industry clamor surrounding the vehicle and after months of silence on whether the new Jimny will indeed be brought to the Philippines, SPH surprises everyone at PIMS with the special preview of the 4×4 all-new Jimny. The iconic off-roader features a sturdy exterior yet compact dimensions for easier drivability. Its powerful engine can traverse both narrow city streets and rough terrain, making the vehicle an ideal companion for both urban and off-road driving.

Well-loved Suzuki vehicles on display

Aside from the 4×4 Jimny 2019, visitors to the 7th edition of PIMS are able to get a first-hand experience with Suzuki’s popular vehicles such as the new Swift, new Dzire, new Vitara and Ciaz.

SPH showcases the special features and functions of the recently launched all-new Dzire and Swift. Visitors interested in finding out more about Auto Gear Shift (AGS) technology can explore the Dzire. The practical sedan enables automated manual transmission with its AGS functionality, enabling Filipino drivers to enjoy the ease of driving offered by automatic vehicles with the fuel efficiency of manual transmission.

The new Swift offers improved driving experience with its maneuverability and stand-out character. Its edgier look and upgraded engine performance suit the style and needs of fun-loving millennials.

The new Vitara, 2017 CAGI Car of the Year awardee under the Subcompact Crossover Category, boasts enhanced driving and safety features. Its stylish design also offers optimum personalization to suit drivers’ diverse tastes and requirements.

The Ciaz, a top-selling Suzuki brand and the winner of Best Personal Commuter in last year’s 12th C! Magazine Awards, packs an elegant design and spacious interior. On top of these, it features fuel economy and an affordable price that combined make it an ideal subcompact sedan.

Exciting booth activities to entertain

SPH has lined up exciting activities to entertain guests during the five-day trade event.

Popular dance group GForce and rock icon Bamboo raise the energy further during the opening day. Filipino indie-alternative rock band Autotelic will entertain visitors to the booth on the second day of the event while Kris Lawrence will serenade guests on October 26.

In line with the 2018 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Championship, the SPH booth will feature the Philippine Azkals as part of the AFF Trophy Tour on October 27. The upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup 2018, set for November in Bacolod, will see the Philippine team compete against Singapore on November 13 and against Thailand on the 21st.

Sisters group 4th Impact, which rose to fame after their stint in X Factor UK, and Kristel de Catalina, grand winner of Pilipinas Got Talent, will also entertain guests at the SPH booth at PIMS.

On the last day of the trade show, the Suzuki Safety Scouts will share their advocacy on road safety. As part of SPH’s efforts to raise awareness about road safety nationwide, the Suzuki Safety Scouts is open to children aged 4 to 14, who besides being an official scout for free will receive traffic safety training, a safety scout uniform and activity books on road safety.

Asia’s Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan will also grace the SPH booth on the last day of the 2018 PIMS.

The 7th PIMS, organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), aims to bring together the country’s leading motoring industry players to present the latest in vehicle releases, services and cutting-edge technologies. Exhibit areas open at 10AM and close at 9PM.

For more information about Suzuki Philippines and Suzuki at the Philippine International Motor Show 2018, please visit http://suzuki.com.ph/auto/ and like them on www.facebook.com/SuzukiAutoPH, https://twitter.com/SuzukiAutoPH and follow on Instagram at @suzukiautoph.