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Suzuki tunes up tiny concepts for Tokyo Auto Salon

When counting Japanese automakers, don't forget Suzuki, which has a trio of new show cars lined up for the Tokyo Auto Salon in a couple of weeks. First up is the Water Activity concept. It's based on the Ignis and done up in a matte-finish army green with orange accents, a canoe strapped to the roof, metallic underbody trim, and bigger wheels. It's not unlike the Ignis Trail concept that Suzuki revealed at the main Tokyo Motor Show a few months ago, but taken in more of an outdoorsy direction than a sporty one. Joining it is the Hustler Rough Road Style, based on the oddball square wagon we first saw in concept form back in 2013 but ruggedized for the rocky trail. To that end it features a jacked-up suspension, knobby little tires, caged-in headlights, and a yellow paint job that makes it look as though it wandered through a paintball arena. It even has its name spelled out on the nose like you'd expect to see on a Hummer or Land Rover, and blacked-out trim on everything from the roof to the door handles. Last but not least is the Alto Works GP, which takes the punchy little hot hatch we reported on just the other day in an even racier direction. It features a blue and acid green livery borrowed from Suzuki's MotoGP bike, complemented by a custom carbon-fiber hood. It'll be displayed at the Japanese tuner expo alongside its two-wheeled counterpart, not to mention a smattering of other vehicles from the company's lineup when the show opens on January 15. Related Video:

Suzuki teases iK-2 and iM-4 concepts set to debut at Geneva

While it may be true that Suzuki no longer sells its models in the US, the Japanese brand is still motoring along and quite popular in the rest of the world, including Europe. The Japanese company just teased two concepts to premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, but hasn't revealed much about them yet. First up is the iM-4 concept (pictured above), which Suzuki describes as an "iconic mini 4x4." Given that the next-gen Jimny (better known in the US as the Samurai) is supposed to go on sale in 2017, this vehicle might be the first future glimpse of the little offroader. The company reportedly wants to keep the new model close in spirit to the current one, while updating its aging design. The iK-2 concept (right inset) is a bit more mysterious. Suzuki calls it "an ideal compact sized car." Based on the brand's European range, it could preview a look for a future version of the Swift. We should know much more about both of them when the Geneva show begins in March. SUZUKI UNVEILS iK-2 AND iM-4 CONCEPT MODELS AT THE 85TH GENEVA MOTOR SHOW 06/02/15 Suzuki Motor Corporation will display two world-premiere concept models at the 85th Geneva Motor Show next month. iK-2 The iK-2 is an ideal compact sized car, developed with an innovative theme of "Harmonised Force". By combining all of the key elements expected in a car of this size the new model raises compact car values to the limit. iM-4 The iM-4 is an iconic mini 4x4 developed with a concept theme of "Shape the Inspiration". It is an all-new proposal from Suzuki, packed with its compact 4x4 DNA and new technologies as well as distinctive styling that will give real inspiration to drivers. Detailed information will be disclosed at the Suzuki press conference, scheduled on Tuesday, 3rd March 2015 at 11:15 am , On stand 4251, in hall 4 A special website is available on http://www.globalsuzuki.com/geneva2015/

VW, Suzuki mulling rekindling relationship in face of legal battle

Volkswagen and Suzuki have been undergoing marriage counseling in a bid to avoid finalizing their nasty divorce. The blissful union has been troubled for some time, with Volkswagen claiming that it could affect operational decisions at Suzuki, and the Japanese brand's sniping and constant flirting with a certain Italian temptress causing rifts.
The matter first went to court in 2012, when Suzuki demanded VW get out, and leave its 19.9-percent stake in the Japanese brand in a box to the left. Now, Automotive News is reporting that the company will give the relationship one last shot, according to closed-door dealings between the two in London.
Still, it's understood that VW and Suzuki recognize the benefit of their alliance, and that it'd be in the best interests of the kids both parties to make things work. Spokespeople declined to comment to AN, but the newsmagazine spoke with Frank Biller, an analyst for LBBW in Stuttgart, who said, "Both companies stand to benefit if they can overcome the disagreements over leadership claims."