In a grand showcase of heritage, innovation, and unity, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated (SPH) commemorated its 50th Anniversary with a series of events that brought together its network of dealers, loyal customers, employees, and partners. From the One Suzuki Dealer Convention to the Suzuki Matsuri 2025 and the One Suzuki Big Ride, the celebration embodied five decades of commitment to Filipino mobility and marked a new era with the global brand promise: “By Your Side.”
From humble beginnings in 1975 as a motorcycle manufacturer through a joint venture with the then Rufino Antonio and Associates, Suzuki Philippines has grown to become the only integrated automotive brand in the country, offering motorcycles, automobiles, and marine engines under one unified identity. Today, SPH has expanded its presence with over 5,000 motorcycle outlets (including 105 exclusive 3S shops), 80 automobile dealerships, and 22 marine branches, serving Filipinos from Luzon to Mindanao.
“Together, these individuals form the wheel of Suzuki Philippines’ 50-year journey, a journey powered by shared visions, shared efforts, and a shared belief that we can achieve greatness. It is this unity that brings us to this day, and it is this unity that will carry us forward,” said Norminio Mojica, Managing Director and top Filipino executive of Suzuki Philippines.
The celebrations started with the One Suzuki Dealer Convention—a landmark event dedicated especially to honor Suzuki’s dealer network—bringing together, for the first time, partners from all three business divisions: Motorcycle, Automobile, and Marine.
The event was attended by top executives from Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), led by Mr. Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of SMC Japan. The event also paid tribute to the legacy of former SPH presidents Mr. Hitoshi Ota, Mr. Satoshi Uchida, Mr. Hiroshi Suzuki, and long-serving Filipino executives whose leadership helped shape Suzuki’s success in the country.
In his keynote speech, Mr. Toshihiro Suzuki conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the Filipino people and to everyone who has played a part in Suzuki’s growth.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of the Philippines, the government officials, dealers, suppliers, and customers who have supported Suzuki Philippines Incorporated over the past 50 years. Demand for mobility in the Philippines is expected to continue to grow and is an important market for Suzuki. Suzuki aims for ‘an infrastructure mobility closely connected with people’s lives,’ and is committed to providing attractive products in the Philippines.”
The event also marked a key moment for the brand with the official introduction of Suzuki’s new global tagline, “By Your Side,” reinforcing its long-term commitment to customer-focused mobility, powered by the strength of its dealer community.
The next day, the celebration extended to the public with Suzuki Matsuri 2025. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of “Matsuri” or festival, the event welcomed thousands of visitors into an immersive Suzuki Village, showcasing the company’s legacy, products, and innovations in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
“Fifty years ago, Suzuki began with a dream to serve the Filipino people. Today, Suzuki stands proudly by the side of every Filipino—on motorcycles, in cars, and even at sea,” said SPH President Mr. Koichiro Hirao.
“This festival celebrates not just our Japanese heritage, but our Filipino heart. Our success isn’t just ours—it belongs to our customers, employees, dealer partners, and the communities we serve. We are honored to be part of your lives.”
At the heart of the Matsuri Village was the public preview of the Suzuki Fronx, the newest addition to Suzuki’s automotive lineup. Making its Philippine debut, the Fronx, a subcompact crossover features a modern design with youthful energy, signaling the company’s continued push toward lifestyle-oriented innovations.
On the second day was the One Suzuki Big Ride, which saw over 1,300 Suzuki riders from all walks of life take to the streets in a grand motorcade. The ride kicked-off at 10th Avenue in Caloocan and stretched through the length of EDSA, culminating at the SM Mall of Asia. This massive gathering was more than a show of Suzuki’s strong rider community—it was also a clear statement of the brand’s commitment to safe and responsible riding. Clad in proper safety gear and riding in formation, participants demonstrated the discipline and camaraderie that Suzuki promotes on the road.
The event reinforced Suzuki’s role not only as a leader in motorcycle innovation but also as an advocate for rider education and safety awareness, highlighting that true riding enjoyment comes with responsibility – a reliable mobility partner on and beyond the road.
Across all three days, Suzuki’s 50th Anniversary celebration stood as a testament to the brand’s steadfast mission: to be a trusted life companion for Filipinos—whether they’re commuting to work, navigating city streets, exploring the outdoors, or setting sail. From honoring dealers who helped build the foundation, to unveiling the future with new models like the Suzuki Fronx, Suzuki Philippines reaffirmed its position not just as a vehicle provider—but as a brand, “By Your Side” at every turn, road, and wave of life.
just to let you know, texas and colorado legalized the ownership of kei trucks. and oregon state is to follow suit. suzuki everywhere is more popular and ubiquitous in mindanao and cebu
ReplyDeleteYou're really pushing for kei cars huh
DeleteI want to own a kei car. Those sold in japan are really nice and well suited for ph roads.
ReplyDeleteThey are so far behind in new styles and tech. The Grand Vitara was released almost 3 years ago and I'm impatient to buy one. Suzuki dealerships can only say ''sorry sir, we don't know when it's coming''. My Vitara is 7 years old and next year it will be a Toyota unless Suzuki can look after existing customer needs.
ReplyDelete