Suzuki to Develop New Vehicle with 100kg Less Weight, to Be Launched in Early 2030s
Suzuki is accelerating the development of lightweight technology with plans to launch a new vehicle in the early 2030s that will be 100 kilograms lighter than current models. This weight reduction aims to decrease CO2 emissions and resource usage, contributing to decarbonization efforts.
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Tokyo, Japan, July 17, 2024 - Suzuki President Toshihiro Suzuki held a press conference in Tokyo on the 17th, announcing the company's policy to “accelerate the development of lightweight technology.” Suzuki aims to launch a new vehicle over the next three years, which will be 100 kilograms lighter than current models and is expected to be released in the early 2030s. The weight reduction will not only decrease carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during manufacturing and driving but also reduce the resources required, contributing to the company's decarbonization efforts by “minimizing energy.” He also hinted at the development of a new hybrid system that will combine a highly efficient engine.
To develop a lightweight and safe car body, the company has shifted from the partial optimization of individual components to a comprehensive approach with the launch of the "S-Light" project. This project aims to minimize the energy consumed in both driving and manufacturing by optimizing the entire vehicle. The company is pursuing weight reduction by reassessing welding points and utilizing foam resin technology to reduce the amount of resin used.
One of the multiple technical directors will be appointed as the person responsible for finding the optimal solution for weight reduction. “Weight reduction requires compromise among departments,” said Masahiro Kato, a senior managing director, indicating that the company is fostering momentum to work on overall optimization.
The company is also developing a next-generation hybrid system called "Super Ene Charge" as a powertrain technology that will enable cars to operate using less energy. The module width has been halved compared to other companies' motor-embedded modules, making it smaller and lighter. Additionally, they are transitioning from a belt-driven system to a gear-driven system, aiming to improve energy regeneration.
President Suzuki stated, “Electric vehicles are becoming popular, starting with large vehicles that customers can afford," and added, "For smaller cars, we need to consider mileage and other aspects of use, and expand the options so that customers can make smart choices."
