The Splash to save ChangHe

The Splash to save ChangHe

In France, Suzuki relies on the Splash for a happy new year. In China, ChangHe, who will produce for Suzuki plays squarely its survival.

Everything seemed simple: Aviation Industry Corporation II would merge with I Aviation Industry to form a "Chinese Airbus." To better concentrate on aeronautics, he would resell the two manufacturers that they have Hafei (promised DongFeng) and ChangHe.

As often happens in China, negotiations takes longer. Worse: With the merger between aerospace companies, the Executive Aviation Industry Corporation II has been replaced and we must resume negotiations to zero with new people. It falls ill for Peugeot partner Dongfeng, which had produced "a small car" (107? 1007?) At Hafei.
On the side of ChangHe, time is serious, because the debts are abyssal. Failure means the company can not keep up with market growth and it enters the spiral of marginalization.

Meanwhile, Suzuki had sold the Splash in China. His partner, ChangAn, seemed best placed to produce it. It thus replace the Alto. Finally, it ChangHe, the other partner Suzuki, which has stalled in extremis the timbale. A curious choice, probably dictated "on top". For ChangHe is a shot in the arm. ChangAn Suzuki enrage and can only hope a possible merger of its two partners, to stop this cacophony.

The Splash of ChangHe-Suzuki (below) will obviously be similar to that sold in France.

20 years ago: Suzuki Vitara

20 years ago: Suzuki Vitara

Until then the 4 x 4 was compact and utility gross stripping, a Niva. In rural style away or badly shaved and ways of movers associated with the genre, the Vitara will conquer the female and city centres.
The recipe looks simple, yet it was necessary to think about it. A few centimetres in length from less than 205, but a width which bases the vehicle. A plastic shaped by the air time more than in the wind dunes or ruts.

The optical trapezoidal while the lighthouse round is the rule. An interior away from the atmosphere and shovel plate désensablement. Add to that a more flexible than 1600cm3 powerful, independent front wheels and coil springs for comfort acceptable, the Vitara is no competitor to its launch. And contrary to appearances, it is effective in any field. The 4 x 4 multiple designations-the Vitara, Escudo, Sidekick-will be broadcast by Geo or Pontiac under the name Tracker in North America.
It was not until 1990 that he made his first steps in Europe under the brand name Santana in France. At the time of quotas limiting to 3% sales of Japanese vehicles, Spanish is firmly installed in France. Available in 3-door and convertible, the Vitara is trading at a price of a Civic 1.6i16 with which the heart of the client balance. The following year, Suzuki resumed its importation into France and launches 5-door version, Suzuki badge this time rather than Santana. Called Mobile on certain market, it nearly 4 meters. Success and indisputable forerunner, the Vitara is quite afford, V6, Diesel and even the Pike's Peak…

But since 1994, the Rav4 "Fun Cruiser" it will follow suit and take the leadership in this new market of 4 x 4 leisure…
20 years after its introduction, the Vitara is always produced by Santana in a barely disguised form, and distributed in France by MAM. Re in 2006, it was sold last year with a 1.6 hdi Peugeot.