Suzuki Looking for European Partner for Future Crossovers

SuzukiSuzukiJapan, 1909 > present47 models
707 photos
4 videos
is looking for a European partner to build its new crossover that it previewed at the Paris Motor Show as the S-Cross, which is meant to compete against the NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
6957 photos
12 videos
QashqaiNissan QashqaiJapan, 2006 > 2014305 versions
384 photos
. While Suzuki has already engineered the model itself, it would like to find a partner to whom it can license the model and increase profits. 

"It's pure Suzuki, but we're open to a partnership going forward," said Suzuki UK sales director Dale Wyatt. 

Suzuki has had a partnership with Fiat, and the S-Cross will even use a FiatFiatItaly, 1899 > present159 models
4864 photos
35 videos
1.6-liter diesel engine. Fiat builds a rebadged version of the Suzuki SX4Suzuki SX4Japan, 2006 > present56 versions
68 photos
called the Fiat SediciFiat SediciItaly, 2006 > present16 versions
23 photos
. However, Fiat will build the next Sedici on its own, and it will likely use a JeepJeepUnited States of America, 1941 > present33 models
965 photos
4 videos
platform. 

The new crossover was shown as a concept at the Paris Motor Show and called the S-Cross. It will go into production in late 2013 and be built at Suzuki's factory in Hungary that also builds the SX4. It expects that 80% of sales will come from Europe. 

"We recognize we're value for money. We think we can offer a good-looking emotional product for a compact price point – that's a nice sweet spot for us," said Wyatt. 

Source: Automotive News Europe