Suzuki’s 10-year tech plan to focus on lightweight vehicles, efficient ICE

MANILA: Suzuki Motor Corporation has unveiled its latest technology strategy that will dictate its vehicle development direction for the next 10 years. 

The plan involves creating light yet safe Heartect-based vehicles, more efficient combustion engine technologies, and developing lightweight electrified vehicle batteries. 

Right X Light

First off, Suzuki is banking on its expertise in developing light but safe forms of mobility. The aforementioned is encompassed under its “Right X Light” technology sub-plan. 

Under the said direction, the Japanese marque will continue to develop the Heartect platform, which is already in use on locally available models such as: 

• S-Presso
• Fronx
• Swift
• Dzire Hybrid
• Ertiga Hybrid
• XL7 Hybrid

Specifically, the company’s designers, which encompasses both its motorcycle and automobile divisions, have already vowed to reduce the average weights of its vehicles by 100 kilograms without sacrificing structural integrity and crash protection. 

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Efficient ICE and CNF engines

Moreover, Suzuki will continue to bank on creating more efficient internal combustion engines (ICE) and carbon-neutral fuels (CNF). 

Regarding its powertrain development, the brand shared that it will further refine its high-speed combustion and low-friction technologies to develop high-efficiency engines. 

In the realm of CNF, meanwhile, the marque has already begun to produce the Gixxer SF 250 flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) in India last year. The said model is capable of utilizing E20 fuel, which is touted to provide fewer emissions from its blend of 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent gasoline. 

The manufacturer also disclosed its intention to introduce more FFV nameplates in 2026. 

Other stories: Lexus debuts refreshed IS sedan Hyundai reveals first-ever compact EV under Ioniq sub-brand BMW debuts all-new iX3 under Neue Klasse lineup

 

Battery-lean BEV, HEV

Suzuki is likewise developing electrified models with minimized energy consumption. Called by the brand as its “battery-lean” plan, it will revolve around the development of electrified models equipped with compact electric units and lightweight batteries. These qualities are already demonstrated on electric vehicles such as the Suzuki eVitara, which was introduced globally last year.

For reference, the Suzuki eVitara utilizes a 49-kilowatt-hour (kWh) - 61 kWh lithium iron-phosphate battery. In the European market, the one with the larger battery is capable of covering up to 424 kilometers according to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. 

SDV Right

Suzuki’s 10-year tech plan will also involve creating software-defined vehicles under its SDV Right initiative. 

To kick-start the said plant, the brand has already partnered up with Tata Elxsi by opening a new Cloud hardware in the loop (HIL) Center. The facility will be used to provide the Japanese marque with “virtual development” capabilities for the faster rollout of vehicle electronic control units (ECU) and vehicle software. 

Other noteworthy initiatives under Suzuki’s 10-year technology plan include the following: 

• Team Suzuki CN Challenge - A motorcycle racing team composed of Suzuki employees equipped with sustainably sourced parts and fuels. 
• Suzuki Biogas - Proliferation of Suzuki-owned biogas production facilities.
• Suzuki Smart Factory - A manufacturing plant featuring reduced energy consumption and digital technologies. 

Also read:

PH customers can reserve an all-new Suzuki Fronx starting tomorrow

Is it high time for Suzuki Wagon R to enter PH?

Suzuki PH launches ‘Flood Support Program’ to help typhoon-affected customers

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