√Suzuki electric-car plans unclear for Australia

An electric car from small-car specialist Suzuki is on its way – but it’s not clear if it will come to Australia.

Japanese car maker Suzuki is developing its first electric car for global markets – but an Australian launch may slip down the queue amid strict emissions regulations in other regions.

As reported last month, Suzuki has confirmed plans to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) for international markets by 2025 – which rumours suggest may leverage the brand’s partnership with Toyotaa.

However, although a right-hand-drive version is expected to be in development for the Indian market – where Suzuki is the top-selling brand – the unseen and unnamed EV is not locked in for Australia.

Speaking to Drive at the Australian launch of the new S-Cross SUV, Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota told Drive strict emissions regulations in other regions means our market may not the priority for Suzuki’s Japanese head office.

“I think the introduction into different markets globally for Suzuki in regards to electrification – and the confirmation of having products as such – would depend on the need in those markets to have a product like that; the need to meet, for example, certain CO2 standards and other bits and pieces,” Pachota said when asked about plans for a Suzuki electric car for Australia.

“And we’ve seen an acceleration of hybrid technology being introduced into other markets, even with joint production platforms with other brands [Toyota] and so forth, based on the need to do so, based on meeting CO2 standards and/or avoiding penalties and things like that too.

“So Australia doesn’t have that sense of urgency yet, but Suzuki is not writing Australia off in terms of having those [hybrid and electric] products come here sooner than later, if they’re available.

“Based on the fact that if it’s happening elsewhere, all around us, surely it’s going to be happening here soon too. So why not be on the front foot of that situation?

“I definitely wouldn’t write off the situation that if an EV product was released globally by Suzuki, then potentially we’re on the list. But at the moment, we’ve got no confirmation that there is such product and/or whether we’re going to be on the list,” Pachota said.

Few details of the new Suzuki electric car have been revealed – including its size, body style and proposed price.

However, it – or another Suzuki electric vehicle due at a similar time, in 2024 or 2025 – will be sold in India, and produced at a new factory set up specifically to build battery-electric models.

Indian media outlets report it may be priced from one million rupees, or $AU18,500 – about five per cent more than a top-of-the-range Baleno hatchback (a car now discontinued in Australia).

Before it introduces an electric vehicle, Suzuki plans to roll out a number of mild-hybrid and full hybrid models in Australia, to help it meet industry emissions targets. Click here for more details.

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