Suzuki halts plans to develop bigger cars

Suzuki Motor Corp. said that it is shelving plans to develop larger automobiles for the global market and open overseas factories. Suzuki had aimed to develop a car with an engine size of up to 3.6 liters, the automaker’s largest to date, to attract international customers looking to upgrade from smaller vehicles. Named the Kizashi, the car was to debut in 2010. With economic recovery not expected for several years, the carmaker has decided to freeze its plans. Suzuki intends to revive the program when demand for larger vehicles picks up in India and other markets. (January 5, 2009)