---

American Suzuki Unveils Heisman Vehicles in Detroit January 9

4 January 2001

American Suzuki Unveils One-of-a-Kind Heisman Vehicles in Detroit January 9

      Heisman Trophy and namesake show editions of Grand Vitara and XL-7
               debut at North American International Auto Show

    DETROIT, Jan. 3 In a tribute to the excitement and
tradition of college football's Heisman Trophy, American Suzuki Motor
Corporation will unveil two one-of-a-kind SUV show vehicles during a festive
tailgate party at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on
Tuesday, January 9 at 3:10 p.m.
    Heisman Editions of the Grand Vitara and XL-7 will share the stage with
Heisman Trophy winners to highlight American Suzuki's marquee sponsorship of
the prestigious Heisman Trophy, awarded annually by the New York Downtown
Athletic Club to the outstanding football player in the United States.
American Suzuki brings the excitement and inspiration of this symbol of
excellence to the Detroit show, knowing Michigan is the perfect place to
introduce the Heisman Editions of its highly successful Grand Vitara and
groundbreaking XL-7.
    "When you think of college football, you think of the great football
tradition in places like Michigan," explains Gary Anderson, vice president of
sales and marketing for American Suzuki.  "NAIAS is the perfect place to
showcase these unique, colorful, sporty vehicles and celebrate Heisman winners
with a first-class tailgate party."
    Featuring energetic paint schemes with pearl Lively Yellow trim over
Catseye Blue Metallic, the Heisman Edition Grand Vitara represents the
performance and excitement recent Heisman winners such as Chris Weinke of
Florida State and Desmond Howard of the University of Michigan bring to the
field.  The elegant Heisman Edition XL-7 sports a custom blue-to-bronze
colorshifting paint featuring ChromaFlair light interference pigments(R).
Both vehicles proudly display Heisman logos.
    The Heisman Editions are show vehicles.  Production XL-7s -- available at
dealerships in January 2001 -- will also be on display at the centrally
located Suzuki exhibit.
    Suzuki's vision for a new-generation SUV was first revealed to the public
in the form of the XL6 concept SUV at NAIAS in January 2000.  Blending high
style and impressive flexibility in a manageably sized package, the striking
XL6 took the SUV market in a new direction.  Now, the new 2001 XL-7 brings
that same "best all-around" theme and dynamic look to SUV buyers who want a
stylish, versatile, affordable choice.
    For small SUVs, American Suzuki Motor Corp. has sold 56,570 vehicles to
date, an impressive 24 percent increase over sales for the same period last
year.  With the addition of the XL-7, Suzuki projects sales to top its
all-time record for SUV sales in the 15 years Suzuki has been marketing
vehicles in the United States.
    "American Suzuki's sales success is far and above that of its
competitors," said Anderson.  "The XL-7 is only expected to add to our track
record."
    American Suzuki's popularity with the public and brand awareness continues
to increase with the corporation's continued efforts to bring the Suzuki name
to the forefront of consumers' minds.
    In addition to its second year of support for the Heisman Trophy, American
Suzuki in 2000 has sponsored the Suzuki Rock-n-Roll Marathon in San Diego, two
Ducks Unlimited Great Outdoors Festivals and the Great North American RV
Rally.