American Suzuki Motor Corporation announced in November 2012 that it would discontinue new vehicle sales in the continental U.S. The American subsidiary of the Japanese automaker also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
American Suzuki struggled in recent years. In its press release, the company acknowledged that it was facing a number of serious challenges, including low sales volume, a limited number of models in its lineup, unfavorable exchange rates and the high costs of state and federal regulatory requirements.
American Suzuki said it planned to restructure its business to focus on the more profitable motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and marine products that it offers.
What does all this mean for Suzuki car owners? Here is a list of the most common questions about the issues they face.
Does My Suzuki Car Still Have a Warranty?
Suzuki said that all warranties would continue to be honored at Suzuki service providers. Suzuki vehicles had a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty, three-year or 36,000-mile roadside assistance, a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a five-year corrosion warranty for the body panels.
Where Do I Go for Parts and Service?
"All parts and service will be provided to consumers through our planned continuation of a service and parts dealer network," Suzuki told consumers in 2012.
But the company put some limitations on its position, saying: "We intend to plan to continue to provide parts and service, as long as there is consumer demand, for a reasonable period of time beyond the warranty period." The best way to find a dealership now is to use the service provider search tool on the Suzuki Web site.
If finding factory parts becomes a problem, there are many aftermarket parts makers that consumers can turn to. These parts are readily available at major auto parts chains such as Napa and Pep Boys.
Where Do I Send My Monthly Payments?
Consumers who financed vehicle purchases through American Suzuki Financial should continue to make their payments as they normally would. If for some reason American Suzuki Financial ceases to be the lien holder, it would likely notify customers by mail. Owners who want to maintain their accounts online are being redirected to the main page for Ally Financial. For other finance questions, contact American Suzuki Financial at (888) 895-7578.
Who Gets My Suzuki Car When Its Lease Expires?
Your lease agreement should indicate where to turn in your vehicle. It is often the same dealer from whom you leased the car. If the dealer is no longer around, call Suzuki customer service: (800) 934-0934.
How Do I Find Out About Service Campaigns and Safety Recalls?
Check the Suzuki Web site's Campaigns tab for information on coverage extensions, safety recalls and customer satisfaction campaigns. You can also search for Suzuki recalls via the safercar.gov's vehicle owner's page.
How Does This Affect My Car's Value?
Every Suzuki model already had a True Market Value (TMV®) of a few hundred dollars below invoice. Prices for used Suzuki vehicles will drop, though not by much. They were already low when compared to the more notable brands.
