It looks like Suzuki has stopped production of its only US-produced model, the XL7. Due to slow sales and the credit crisis, Suzuki has decided to halt production of the US-only crossover.
The XL7 was produced at General Motors' CAMI joint-venture facility in Ingersoll, Ontario. Although no other XL7s are going to roll off the production line, the factory is still up and running.
Suzuki CEO Osamu Suzuki doesn't feel that Suzuki's decision or the fact that GM is in the middle of a massive restructuring will mean that the CAMI plant will close.
| « Previous | Next » |
Around the Web:
Comments (2)
1st
No surpise. Suzuki should stick with smaller SUV anyway. Not that its Grand Vitara is really doing that well. I see way more RAV4 and CR-V on the road.
Posted by Caveman | May 13, 2009 3:47 PM
Posted on May 13, 2009 15:47
I had the opportunity to take the XL-7 out for a test drive about a year or so ago, and while I was impressed with the amenities offered by the XL-7, as well as room and versatility, I was not impressed by anything else.
I felt that the ride, handling, noise levels, and fuel consumption were worse than anything else that I had test driven around the same time period for the same class of vehicle. So I am not surprised to hear that production would be halted, it's not a great vehicle.
That said, Suzuki has some great products out there and actually deserve more respect, and sales, than they are currently receiving. Both the SX-7 sedan and AWD hatchback are excellent vehicles and exceptional value when taking into account price vs. standard equipment.
The Grand Vitara is also a great vehicle, but consideration has to be given to the fact that it is a rear wheel drive vehicle and not front-wheel like the majority of its competitors. For the minority of people who do not know the pros & cons of front wheel and rear wheel drive, the rear wheel drive Grand Vitara is probably the best out there on the road.
My two cents.
Posted by Mr, D | May 14, 2009 4:26 AM
Posted on May 14, 2009 04:26