Suzuki Philippines Celebrates 50 Years with its Kick Off Ride and Adventure in Batangas

Recently, Suzuki Philippines made a decision to mark a monumental milestone – 50 years of innovation, quality, and community in the country. To celebrate this remarkable achievement, the company invited the motoring media and motoring vloggers as part of their Kick-off Ride and to partake in an extraordinary adventure, an event that perfectly blended Suzuki’s legacy with the thrill of its vehicles. This unique gathering brought together Suzuki’s Motorcycle, Automobile, and Marine Divisions as  One Suzuki Family, setting the tone for an exciting year ahead. 

The journey started at the Suzuki Philippines (SPH) Plant in Laguna, where Suzuki displayed their Auto, Moto and Marine products. There were 27 of different Suzuki motorcycle models in total, ridden by prominent motorcycle media and vloggers. They revved their engines in anticipation of the start of the journey.

The air was electric as the group of riders set off, their motorcycles cutting through the morning mist, weaving their way through the scenic roads of Tagaytay and Batangas toward their ultimate destination: Pico de Loro in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Behind them, a convoy of automotive media was already on the move, with Suzuki’s latest stars — the all-new Suzuki Jimny 5-Door and the sleek XL7 Hybrid. Both vehicles showcased Suzuki’s engineering prowess, offering an exhilarating yet smooth ride as they journeyed along the picturesque highway.

Suzuki Philippines President, Mr. Koichiro Hirao, emphasized the significance of this event,  “Suzuki has been part of the lives of millions of Filipinos for five decades. From motorcycles  to automobiles to marine products, our vehicles have become life companions—on and beyond  the road. Today, we invite you to experience the full breadth of the Suzuki story and continue  to build a brighter future together.” 

Managing Director Mr. Norminio Mojica echoed this sentiment, highlighting Suzuki’s strong  presence in the country. “Suzuki is within the top five automotive brands in the Philippines  across all divisions, with over 4,200 network outlets nationwide. This success is not just due  to our quality products, but also to the strong relationships we’ve built with our dealer network  and media friends.” 

The stunning 50th anniversary event wasn’t just about the ride—it was also a celebration of Suzuki’s diverse range of products. As the convoy reached the famed Punta Fuego Yacht Club, the day transitioned from a road adventure to a maritime one. The media and vloggers were treated to an unforgettable experience aboard Suzuki Marine-powered yachts, cruising through calm, blue waters toward a secret island cove. Suzuki’s high-performance outboard motors. Nine speed boats powered by Suzuki’s Twin  DF300 and DF350s took the participants across the waters of Nasugbu, Batangas which lasted  until sunset, allowing guests to witness the stunning seascape.

The crystal-clear waters surrounding the cove made for the perfect backdrop as the group stepped off the boats, greeted by soft golden sand and lush greeery, a seemmingly untouched nature setting. It was the ultimate escape, and as the media and vloggers took in the beauty of the island, it became clear that Suzuki Philippines had outdone itself in creating an event that truly honored its five decades in the country.

Automobile Division Director and General Manager Mr. Norihide Takei underscored the  company’s continued growth, sharing, “Suzuki Automobile achieved a more than 10% growth  in 2024, surpassing the industry average. This reflects the trust and love Filipinos have for  Suzuki vehicles, from the iconic Jimny 3-Door to our latest innovations, the Jimny 5-Door and  XL7 Hybrid. Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce more remarkable products that will  continue making a difference in people’s lives.”

Meanwhile, Motorcycle Division Head Mr. Jose Salavarria spoke on Suzuki’s rich heritage,  saying, “Suzuki’s journey in the Philippines started with motorcycles in the 1950s. Today, we  have 30 models in our lineup, 12 of which are proudly manufactured in the Philippines. Our  Laguna plant caters not only to local demand but also to export markets in neighboring Asian  countries. Our commitment to innovation will continue, ensuring we provide the latest  technology to meet Filipinos’ mobility needs.”

Speaking on behalf of Marine and After Sales Service Division, Mr. Yukio Sato, the General  Manager added, “The Philippines, with its rich maritime culture, provided the perfect  environment for Suzuki to offer reliable, efficient outboard motors to meet the needs of boat  operators, and recreational boaters. Whether it was small engines for smaller boats or high powered motors for larger vessels, Suzuki quickly became synonymous with reliability. Our  outboards allowed every Filipino, whether navigating calm waters or tackling rough seas, to  have confidence in the quality and performance of their Suzuki product.” 

For many, this event was a reminder of how far Suzuki had come in the Philippines, from a small local presence to a dominant force in the local automotive and motorcycle industries. Add now in its marine products. The seamless integration of motorcycles, cars, and marine products spoke volumes about Suzuki’s commitment to providing a complete, adventurous lifestyle.

As the sun began to set, the Suzuki team and the media travelled back to shore with the perfect sunset cruise and some powerful stretches that made everyone share their stories, laughed over their shared experiences, and marveled at the incredible journey. There were toasts to the past 50 years, but also excitement for the next 50.

Suzuki Philippines’ celebration wasn’t just a showcase of their products; it was a vivid reminder that adventure, whether on land or sea, is at the heart of everything they do. Here’s to 50 years of Suzuki in the Philippines—and to many more thrilling journeys ahead.

The One Suzuki Kick-Off Ride is just the beginning of a year-long celebration, with Suzuki  Philippines gearing up for an even bigger anniversary event in the middle of 2025. As the  company moves forward, the executives also hinted new models to be launched during their  golden year. Suzuki is committed to its legacy of providing high-quality, reliable and  innovative mobility solutions towards carbon neutrality continuing to be the Filipinos’ Life  Companion On and Beyond the Road.