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American Suzuki Motor Introduces More Powerful 1.8-Liter Esteem

30 March 1999

American Suzuki Motor Corporation Introduces New, More Powerful 1.8-Liter Esteem

Additional Power to the Popular Esteem Model Line Provides an Attractive, Yet
                              Affordable Package

    BREA, Calif., March 30 -- American Suzuki Motor Corporation
(ASMC) introduces the new 1.8-liter engine for the Esteem Sedan and Esteem
Wagon, now arriving in Suzuki dealerships across the U.S.  The new 1.8-liter,
DOHC engine generates 122 bhp at 6300 rpm -- a 28 percent increase in power
over the 1.6-liter engine.
    The Esteem boasts one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class,
producing a ratio of 18.74:1 in the Sedan and 19.95:1 in the Wagon.  This is
approximately a 20 percent improvement over the 1.6-liter engine.  The
1.8-liter engine develops 117 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm -- an increase of
18 percent over the 1.6-liter engine.

    Esteem Wagon and Sedan
    Adding more power to its refined streamlined look makes the 1.8-liter
Esteem an even better value package.  In keeping with the company's strategic
direction, the Esteem offers affordable pricing and good looks, reinforcing
Suzuki's goal to establish a stronger presence in the U.S. market.
    The Wagon and Sedan are available in three trim levels: the base GL, GLX
and top-of-the-line GLX+.  The Esteem is well-equipped with a wealth of
standard features including air conditioning, color keyed bumpers, AM/FM
stereo/cassette, daytime running lights, tachometer, 14-inch wheels, body side
moldings and rear window defroster.  The GLX adds power windows, mirrors and
door locks with remote keyless entry, and the GLX+ adds four-wheel ABS and
cruise control.  The GLX+ Wagon also includes an electric sunroof.
    Base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the GL Sedan is
$12,699; the GL Wagon retails for $13,199 (manual transmission standard).  The
GLX Sedan has an MSRP of $13,799; the base GLX Wagon retails for
$14,299 (manual transmission standard).  The base GLX+ Sedan and Wagon sell
for $15,599 and $16,299, respectively, available with automatic transmissions.
The two-tone paint option on the GLX+ Wagon is $200.  Destination and delivery
charge for all Esteem models is $430 (except in Alaska, $700) not including
license and state or local taxes.

    The Automotive Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea,
Calif. was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC).  ASMC markets
automobiles in the United States through a network of 300 automotive
dealerships in 49 states.
    ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation based in Hamamatsu, Japan,
is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer.  Founded in 1920, SMC has
134 distributors in 175 countries.

                1999 MY MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE
                            (Current as of 2/1/99)

                            Model Description    1999 MY MSRP
    Esteem Sedan 1.8          GL         MT        $12,699
                              GL         AT        $13,699
                              GLX        MT        $13,799
                              GLX        AT        $14,799
                              GLX+       AT        $15,599

                            Model Description    1999 MY MSRP
    Esteem Wagon 1.8          GL         MT        $13,199
                              GL         AT        $14,199
                              GLX        MT        $14,299
                              GLX        AT        $15,299
                              GLX+       AT        $16,299
                              w/ two-tone paint    $16,499