The Suzuki XL-7 (styled as XL7 for the second generation) is a mid-size SUV sold by Suzuki from 1998 to 2009, over two generations. Slotted above the Grand Vitara in Suzuki's lineup, the XL-7 offered three-row seating. XL-7 stands for "Xtra Large 7-seater".
106-466: The first-generation Grand Vitara XL-7 or just XL-7 was a Suzuki design, had a body-on-frame construction, and was essentially a stretched Grand Vitara . The North American version had a Suzuki-designed 2.5- or 2.7-liter V6 engine , on a rear-wheel drive -based platform with optional four-wheel drive . Beginning in 2003, European versions were also available with a 2.0-liter Peugeot turbodiesel engine producing 109 PS (80 kW). A unique trait in
212-529: A 1.6-litre 8-valve petrol engine. This generation was not sold in China, however there were two versions of this car sold illegally as Wanli WLZ5020XLD and Guangtong GTQ5020XLZ. During the 1990s, the government of Guandong province created a loophole by allowing grey market goods importer companies to bring the car as knock-down kit to be assembled in China and avoiding the 60-80% import tax for full car. The China government only allows manufacturers to assemble
318-514: A 15% stake in AeroVironment . In 1989, GM acquired half of Saab Automobile 's car operations for $ 600 million. In August 1990, Robert Stempel became CEO of the company, succeeding Roger Smith . GM cut output significantly and suffered losses that year due to the early 1990s recession . In 1990, GM debuted the General Motors EV1 (Impact) concept, a battery electric vehicle , at
424-708: A 2.0-liter Mazda-sourced turbodiesel were added; in return, Mazda got to sell the Escudo in the Japanese market as the Proceed Levante in 1995. A diesel option arrived in Europe in early 1996. In 1996, the Vitara received a facelift. Along with the cosmetic changes, the V6 was upsized to 2.5 litres while a 2.0-litre four-cylinder was slotted into the range. In Japan, the "Nomade" tag was dropped from
530-495: A 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. A 5-speed automatic transmission is only available on V6 variants. The Grand Vitara is available in both rear-wheel drive only models (for the Australian market) or with full-time 4WD. The full-time 4WD system is always engaged and contains a torque sensing limited slip center differential with 47:53 front to rear axle torque distribution ratio. Some 3-door Vitara editions do not have
636-521: A British producer of high-performance sports cars . In 1987, in conjunction with AeroVironment , GM built the Sunraycer , which won the inaugural World Solar Challenge and was a showcase of advanced technology. Much of the technology from Sunraycer found its way into the Impact prototype electric vehicle (also built by Aerovironment) and was the predecessor to the General Motors EV1 . In 1988, GM acquired
742-504: A breakthrough in heat treating still in use today as ASTM A255. GM established Detroit Diesel the next year. In 1939, the company founded Motors Insurance Corporation and entered the vehicle insurance market. The same year, GM introduced the Hydramatic , the first affordable and successful automatic transmission , for the 1940 Oldsmobile. During World War II , GM produced vast quantities of armaments, vehicles, and aircraft for
848-409: A catalytic converter was available for some markets; this model produces 75 PS (55 kW) at 5250 rpm. In August 1990, the Japanese market received a 16-valve G16B engine with 100 PS (73.5 kW) as well as an optional 4-speed automatic. At the same time, the commercial Van version was discontinued. Three months later a 5-door version with a lengthened wheelbase was introduced; it
954-472: A continuation of its diversification plans, GMAC formed GMAC Mortgage and acquired Colonial Mortgage as well as the servicing arm of Norwest Mortgage in 1985. This acquisition included an $ 11 billion mortgage portfolio. The same year, GM acquired the Hughes Aircraft Company for $ 5 billion in cash and stock and merged it into Delco Electronics . The following year, GM acquired 59.7% of Lotus Cars ,
1060-900: A controlling interest in North American Aviation and merged it with the General Aviation Manufacturing Corporation . The GM labor force participated in the formation of the United Auto Workers labor union in 1935, and in 1936 the UAW organized the Flint Sit-Down Strike , which initially idled two key plants in Flint, Michigan, and later spread to 6 other plants including those in Janesville, Wisconsin and Fort Wayne, Indiana . In Flint, police attempted to enter
1166-495: A heightened front bumper to give space for the millimeter-wave radar at the front. The conventional digital multi-information display was replaced with a 4.2" colour LCD MID. Like the Jimny and Swift , Suzuki Safety Support was also adopted for the model which includes a collision avoidance system (called Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) ) and a traffic sign recognition function. The M16A 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine
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#17328697235911272-706: A joint venture between Suzuki and General Motors known as CAMI . It was also sold as the Santana 300 and 350 in Spain and in the Japanese market, and in select markets was rebadged as the Mazda Proceed Levante as well. The second generation was launched in 1998 under the "Grand Vitara" badge in most markets. It was accompanied by a still larger SUV known as the Suzuki XL-7 (known as Grand Escudo in Japan). The third generation
1378-444: A lightweight unibody platform, shared with SX4 S-Cross . The engine position and layout also changed from longitudinal rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive layout to transverse front-wheel drive /all-wheel drive layout. It is now sized as a subcompact crossover SUV , with 140 mm (5.5 in) shorter wheelbase, 325 mm (12.8 in) shorter body, 85 mm (3.3 in) lower and 35 mm (1.4 in) narrower than
1484-517: A namesake defense vehicles division which produces military vehicles for the United States government and military, the vehicle safety, security, and information services provider OnStar , the auto parts company ACDelco , a namesake financial lending service , and majority ownership in the self-driving cars enterprise Cruise LLC . The company originated as a holding company for Buick established on September 16, 1908, by William C. Durant ,
1590-544: A new twin clutch automated manual transmission with hydraulically controlled clutch and gear change called TCSS (Twin Clutch System by Suzuki) was added to the line up in Europe. It is only available for the Fiat-powered 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine with all-wheel drive configuration. Suzuki unveiled a renewed version of the Vitara at the 2018 Paris Motor Show in milestone of its 30th anniversary in 2018. Changes include
1696-529: A program to develop a lightweight two-stroke diesel engine for possible usage in automobiles. Soon after, GM acquired Electro-Motive Company and the Winton Engine Co. , and in 1941, it expanded EMC's realm to locomotive engine manufacturing. In 1932, GM acquired Packard Electric (not to be confused with the Packard car company, which merged with Studebaker years later). The following year, GM acquired
1802-651: A requirement it did not meet. Thus, from 1 January 1989 the Vitara became subject to the quota in the Italian market as well, as it was now classified as a passenger car. In early 1996 European markets began receiving a diesel model. Santana Motor built these vehicles and sold them both as the Santana 300/350 and as the Suzuki Vitara, to circumvent the EEC quota on Japanese imports. The 300 and 350 have round headlights and taillights, and
1908-802: A shortage of CKD parts in Iran Khodro's facilities, low sales, and the political tensions and sanctions. As of July 2019, the Grand Vitara was removed from the Suzuki Australia website and it had been withdrawn from sale, and in South Africa, it was officially discontinued in October 2019 with sales continuing well into 2020. The fourth-generation Vitara was presented first as the iV-4 concept at 65th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013. The production model
2014-504: A six-disc, in-dash CD/MP3 changer audio system, a touchscreen GPS navigation system with SiriusXM Nav Traffic, SiriusXM Satellite Radio , and a rear backup camera system, among other options. Unlike the related Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent , the General Motors (GM) OnStar in-vehicle telematics system was not available on the XL7. All second-generation XL7s were powered by
2120-455: A sporty version of the fourth-generation Vitara called the Vitara S or Vitara Sport in some markets in December 2015. The Vitara S features a 1.4-litre K14C Boosterjet turbocharged petrol engine, which delivers 140 PS (103 kW; 138 bhp) and 220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft), 20 percent more power and 40 percent more torque over the standard 1.6-litre petrol engine. The engine
2226-422: A strategy by CEO Roger Smith to derive at least 10% of its annual worldwide revenue from non-automotive sources. GM also intended to have EDS handle its bookkeeping, help computerize factories, and integrate GM's computer systems. The transaction made Ross Perot the largest shareholder of GM; however, disagreements with Roger Smith led the company to buy all shares held by Ross Perot for $ 750 million in 1986. In
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#17328697235912332-466: Is a series of SUVs produced by Suzuki in five generations since 1988. The second and third generation were known as the Suzuki Grand Vitara , while the fourth generation eschewed the "Grand" prefix. In Japan and a number of other markets, all generations have used the name Suzuki Escudo ( Japanese : スズキ・エスクード , Hepburn : Suzuki Esukūdo ) . The choice of the name "Vitara" was inspired by
2438-435: Is also available on all models. It features a lockable central differential along with low ratio gears. Subtle improvements were made on the exterior of the car, such as indicators relocated to the door mirrors, and a more pronounced front grille and bumper. The interior was also updated. In 2010, a version without a rear-mounted spare tyre was released for selected markets such as Japan, North America and Europe. This reduced
2544-630: Is also replaced with a new K10C Boosterjet 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine in Europe. Starting from March 2020, all engine for European market Vitara was replaced by a new Euro 6d compliant " K14D Boosterjet " 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 48V mild hybrid technology, coupled to a belt-driven Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) , which delivers 129 PS (95 kW; 127 bhp) and 235 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft). The ISG electric motor produces 14 PS (10 kW; 14 bhp) and 53 N⋅m (39 lb⋅ft). General Motors General Motors Company ( GM )
2650-476: Is also the neutral transmission mode meant to be used if the vehicle is being towed. The most widely available Vitara is the 5-door version, but a three-door version is also available in some markets such as in Japan, Australia, (parts of the) Middle East, New Zealand and (most of) South America. In some markets, the three-door variant drops the "Grand" to be branded simply as "Vitara". In some countries, including Chile,
2756-745: Is an American multinational automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Detroit , Michigan, United States. The company is most known for owning and manufacturing four automobile brands: Chevrolet , Buick , GMC , and Cadillac . By total sales, it has continuously been the largest automaker in the United States, and was the largest in the world for 77 years before losing the top spot to Toyota in 2008. General Motors operates manufacturing plants in eight countries. In addition to its four core brands, GM also holds interests in Chinese brands Baojun and Wuling via SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile . GM further owns
2862-532: Is shared with the 2017 Swift Sport and paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. It was first available in 4WD "AllGrip" only until summer 2016 and after that again since 2017; starting with autumn 2016 the 2WD system is available for the S variant. The Vitara S also comes with several cosmetic changes over other Vitara trim levels including leather/suede sports seats with red stitching, aluminum sports pedals, red LED headlamp surrounds, distinctive five-slotted grille and black alloy wheels. In April 2016,
2968-668: Is the only version of the car to have fog lights fitted in the front bumper from factory. The Spanish-built Vitara models, on the other hand, look nearly identical to the Japanese-built models, sporting a Suzuki logo in the grille. Steel and paint quality is different between the Spanish and Japanese-built models, both commonly found throughout Europe. Therefore, the Spanish-built Vitaras and 300/350s are more prone to rusting in northern European climates than Japanese-built counterparts of
3074-606: The Fortune 500 and 50th on the Fortune Global 500 . In 2023, the company was ranked 70th in the Forbes Global 2000 . In 2021, GM announced its intent to end production of vehicles using internal combustion engines by 2035, as part of its plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. By 1900, William C. Durant 's Durant-Dort Carriage Company of Flint, Michigan , had become the largest manufacturer of horse-drawn vehicles in
3180-813: The Allies of World War II . In 1940, GM's William S. Knudsen served as head of U.S. wartime production for President Franklin Roosevelt , and by 1942, all of GM's production was to support the war. GM's Vauxhall Motors manufactured the Churchill tank series for the Allies, instrumental in the North African campaign . However, its Opel division, based in Germany, supplied the Wehrmacht with vehicles. Politically, Sloan, as head of GM at
3286-515: The Cadillac V8-6-4 variable-cylinder engines. GM sold Frigidaire in 1979. Although Frigidaire had between $ 450 million and $ 500 million in annual revenues, it was losing money. Robert Lee of GM invented the neodymium magnet , which was fabricated by rapid solidification, in 1984. This magnet is commonly used in products like a computer hard disk. The same year, GM acquired Electronic Data Systems for $ 2.5 billion from Ross Perot as part of
Suzuki XL-7 - Misplaced Pages Continue
3392-427: The General Motors (GM) High-Feature V6 producing 252 hp (188 kW) and 243 lb⋅ft (329 N⋅m) of torque. This was coded N36A by Suzuki. While 2007 and 2008 models used a five-speed automatic transmission , 2009 models received a new six-speed automatic transmission. Both Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD) models of the XL7 were available. In May 2009, Suzuki halted production of
3498-505: The General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), which provides financing to automotive customers, was formed. In 1920, du Pont orchestrated the removal of Durant once again and replaced him with Alfred P. Sloan . At a time when GM was competing heavily with Ford Motor Company , Sloan established annual model changes, making previous years' models "dated" and created a market for used cars . He also implemented
3604-664: The LA Auto Show . It was the first car with zero emissions marketed in the US in over three decades. The Impact was produced as the EV1 for the 1996 model year and was available only via lease from certain dealers in California and Arizona. In 1999–2002, GM ceased production of the vehicles and started to not renew the leases, disappointing many people, allegedly because the program would not be profitable and would cannibalize its existing business. All of
3710-545: The Rapid Motor Vehicle Company of Pontiac, Michigan , and the Reliance Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan (predecessors of GMC ) in 1909. Durant, with the board's approval, also tried acquiring Ford Motor Company , but needed an additional $ 2 million. Durant over- leveraged GM in making acquisitions, and was removed by the board of directors in 1910 at the order of the bankers who backed
3816-724: The Yellow Cab Manufacturing Company the same year, and its president, John D. Hertz , joined the board of directors of GM; it acquired the remainder of the company in 1943. In 1926, the company introduced the Pontiac brand and established the General Motors Group Insurance Program to provide life insurance to its employees. The following year, after the success of the 1927 model of the Cadillac LaSalle designed by Harley Earl , Sloan created
3922-472: The corporate spin-off of Electronic Data Systems . In 1997, GM sold the military businesses of Hughes Aircraft Company to Raytheon Company for $ 9.5 billion in stock and the assumption of debt. In February 2000, Rick Wagoner was named CEO, succeeding Smith. The next month, GM gave 5.1% of its common stock, worth $ 2.4 billion, to acquire a 20% share of Fiat . In December 2000, GM announced that it would begin phasing out Oldsmobile . The brand
4028-481: The "Art and Color Section" of GM and named Earl as its first director. Earl was the first design executive to be appointed to leadership at a major American corporation. Earl created a system of automobile design that is still practiced today. At the age of 24, Bill Mitchell was recruited by Earl to the design team at GM, and he was later appointed as Chief Designer of Cadillac. After Earl retired in December 1958, Mitchell took over automotive design for GM. Also in 1926
4134-508: The "XL7" in the Philippine market. It is powered by Suzuki's bigger 2.7L V6 engine coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission. It featured longer wheelbase as opposed to the Vitara which has a shorter wheelbase. It also featured redesigned front-end, slightly different sidings & a complete refreshed rear-end. Production of the 2nd Generation Grand Vitara in the Philippines ended in 2005 while
4240-420: The 1.6-litre engine: G16A (carburettor) in the 2-door, G16B (SOHC EFI) in the 4-door, introduced 1992, 2-doors got G16B from 1994. In May 1997, Suzuki introduced the 1995 cc J20 2.0-litre 16-valve DOHC engine with both soft top and hardtop three-door models. This engine was rated at 97 kW (130 hp) at 6300 rpm. At the same time the 5-door models received the 1998 cc H20A 2.0-litre V6. Engine power rated for
4346-565: The 4-speed automatic transmission. The previous 2.7-litre Suzuki V6 was replaced with a GM-sourced 3.2-litre V6. The V6 was only offered in the flagship prestige model which produces 172 kW (234 PS; 231 hp) of power and 289 N⋅m (213 lb⋅ft) of torque. Fuel economy has also been improved with the addition of VVT to both engines, and the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel has also received some updates, improving fuel economy. Safety has also been improved with more airbags and traction control being standard on all models. The four mode 4WD system
Suzuki XL-7 - Misplaced Pages Continue
4452-493: The 5-door version is named "Grand Nomade". The third-generation Grand Vitara is not based on the GM Theta platform , since the model was developed by Suzuki separate from General Motors and shares no components with GM vehicles. The 1.6-liter M16A petrol inline-four is available in the base-spec 3-door version in Japan and many other markets; the base-spec 5-door was also offered with this engine in certain markets. This engine
4558-799: The 5-door was available in the Netherlands. It was a van similarly to the Norwegian one, but had a different glass fibre roof replacement. Official production for this generation ended in 2006 with the end of the Santana 300/350. There is also a very limited edition named Vitara Philippe Cousteaux which came in metallic pink or cyan with cream leather interior, wooden steering wheel, new wheels, bullbar and several other changes. Only 500 of this model were produced for European market. There are also similar limited editions for British market, but called Rossini (pink) and Verdi (cyan) with different wheels. These limited editions are only available in 2-door body style with
4664-575: The EV1s were eventually returned to General Motors, and except for around 40 which were donated to museums with their electric powertrains deactivated, all were destroyed. The documentary film Who Killed the Electric Car? covered the EV1 story. In November 1992, John F. Smith Jr. became CEO of the company. In 1993, GM sold Lotus Cars to Bugatti . In 1996, in a return to its automotive basics, GM completed
4770-645: The Grand Vitara (FT) replaced the aging ET Vitara. It was introduced in 1998. It is offered in 2 different trims, the "Sport" & "Elite Sport". The "Sport" is powered by Suzuki's 2.0L inline-four coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission while the "Elite Sport" is powered by a bigger 2.5L V6 engine coupled to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Both trims came in "Low-Range 4WD" configuration. The "Elite Sport" featured third-row seats, automatic climate controls, three-spoke steering wheel, Japanese vinyl (earlier models), central locking, tachometer, keyless entry with immobilizer. By 2002, Suzuki introduced
4876-674: The Latin word vita , as in the English word vitality . "Escudo", the name primarily used in the Japanese Domestic Market, refers to the " escudo ", the monetary unit of Portugal before adoption of the Euro . The original series was designed to fill the slot above the Suzuki Jimny . The first generation was known as Suzuki Sidekick in the United States. The North American version was produced as
4982-571: The SX4 S-Cross. The Suzuki Escudo was first introduced in the Japanese domestic market in July 1988. The North American Sidekick became available for model year 1989 as a 2-door convertible or hardtop . A fuel-injected 1.6-litre, 8-valve, four-cylinder Suzuki G16A engine producing 80 horsepower was available on the JX and JLX trims. 1990 brought the deletion of the upscale JLX version. A carbureted version without
5088-510: The Sidekick was available with three trim levels (JA, JX and JLX) and two engines (1.3-litre 8-valve Suzuki G13BA engine 64 hp (48 kW) and 1.6-litre 8-valve Suzuki G16A engine 80 hp (60 kW)). The 1.3-litre engine was only available in JA trim with 2-door convertible body style. For the 1992 model year a 95 hp (71 kW), 1.6-litre, 16-valve Suzuki G16B engine was introduced to
5194-416: The Sidekick, a lower specification version of the Escudo, as the entry-level model. The Sidekick has no power window and other luxuries installed on the Escudo, and appeared with steel wheels similar to the earliest Escudo. The Sidekick also has redesigned steering wheel with Suzuki S logo, similar to the Escudo. In early 1995, the Vitara received a 1.6-litre 16-valve G16B engine with fuel-injection system and
5300-685: The Suzuki. The second generation model used a version of the GM High Feature engine – designated N36A by Suzuki – built in Japan and shipped to CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario , Canada, where the XL7 was assembled alongside the Equinox and Torrent. Styling cues on the 2007 model include a chrome slotted grille and trapezoidal headlights. It no longer has the spare tire mounted on the rear door. From its introduction in 2007 until its discontinuation in 2009,
5406-632: The US market in this segment was that the XL-7 was available with a five-speed manual transmission, in both five- and seven-seat variants. When introduced, the XL-7 was the least expensive SUV available with three-row seating in North America. It was awarded the Consumers Digest "Best Buy" award. However, sales slowed as the vehicle aged relative to the competition. In Thailand, the Grand Vitara XL-7
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#17328697235915512-539: The United States. Durant was averse to automobiles, but fellow Flint businessman James H. Whiting , owner of Flint Wagon Works , sold him the Buick Motor Company in 1904. Durant formed the General Motors Company in 1908 as a holding company , borrowing a naming convention from General Electric . GM's first acquisition was Buick , which Durant already owned, then Olds Motor Works on November 12, 1908. Under Durant, GM went on to acquire Cadillac , Elmore , Welch , Cartercar , Oakland (the predecessor of Pontiac ),
5618-491: The United States. The original Sidekick was updated in 1996 with a new Sport version available with 120 hp (89 kW), 1.8-litre 16-valve four-cylinder Suzuki J18 engine . The Sport also had dual airbags , two-tone paint and 16-inch alloy wheels. 1993 brought an update of the dash in conjunction with the exterior. In Australia, there were two models available. The Vitara JX and the Vitara JLX. The JLX offered powered windows and body-coloured bumpers. Both versions featured
5724-575: The VIN code letters - Santana-built examples have chassis numbers that begin with "VSE". In the United Kingdom, two additional body kit models were offered. Some two-door models were sold with an OEM body kit called Wideboy, which had wider wheel arches, sidesteps and 8 inch wide alloy wheels. The Fatboy was also a popular bodykit conversion, offered by the company Suzi Qs, located in Oldbury , Birmingham, UK. The Fatboy converted models had different trim levels, where most sported Cooper Cobra tires, 10 inch wide alloy wheels, different taillights integrated into
5830-536: The Vitara and Escudo initially came with the single JLX variant, and appeared with 16-inch steel wheels similar to the Suzuki Katana GX but with silver finishings instead of white. Updates and improvements on the Escudo were available in March 1995, such as three-spoke alloy wheel with dark grey and chrome finishings, redesigned four-spoke steering wheel with Suzuki's S logo, new seat upholstery, and updated colour options (green metallic and dark purple metallic were available by March 1995). In April 1995, Suzuki introduced
5936-475: The XL7 continued until 2006. In 1998, the Grand Escudo was released, a longer 7-seater, slightly larger, pricier and more powerful version of the regular five-door. The Japanese market Grand Escudo was sold in North America and Chile as the Suzuki XL-7 . In Australia, Europe and India it was marketed as the Grand Vitara XL-7 . In Indonesia, it was sold as Grand Escudo XL-7 . An all-new redesigned Grand Vitara (called Escudo in Japan or Grand Nomade in Chile)
6042-426: The XL7 indefinitely due to low demand. Through May 10, 2009, CAMI Automotive had only produced four XL7s for Suzuki after producing more than 12,000 units the previous year. While no direct replacement to the three-row XL7 was available ( General Motors offered the larger Buick Enclave , Chevrolet Traverse , and GMC Acadia midsize three-row crossover SUV's), the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain were considered
6148-453: The ability to lock the center differential and do not have low range gearing transmission mode. The 5-door Vitara (and some 3-door editions) has the ability to lock the center differential (transmission mode called "4H lock") and also has a low range transmission mode with locked center differential (called "4L lock") with the reduction gearing ratio at 1,970 (roughly twice slower with twice more torque than in high range transmission mode). There
6254-470: The cars in China with at least 60% local components via official 50:50 joint venture . However, the government of Guangdong province allowed these importers to import cars without tires, mirror and door handles and then reassemble these cars in Guangdong and cut the import tax only to 25%. These companies then making business agreement to get the license from the government approved local car manufacturers for using their brands for selling these Vitaras. This
6360-399: The company acquired Fisher Body , its supplier of automobile bodies. GM acquired Allison Engine Company and began developing a 1,000 horsepower liquid-cooled aircraft engine in 1929. The same year, GM acquired 80% of Opel , which at that time had a 37.5% market share in Europe, for $ 26 million. It acquired the remaining 20% in 1931. In the late-1920s, Charles Kettering embarked on
6466-432: The company in 1915 after a disagreement with Durant. GM was reincorporated in Detroit in 1916 as General Motors Corporation and became a public company via an initial public offering . By 1917, Chevrolet had become successful enough that Durant, with the backing of Samuel McLaughlin and Pierre S. du Pont , reacquired a controlling interest in GM. The same year, GM acquired Samson Tractor . Chevrolet Motor Company
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#17328697235916572-540: The diesel-hybrid market, the Opel Astra diesel engine hybrid concept vehicle was rolled out in January 2005. Later that year, GM sold its Electro-Motive Diesel locomotive division to private equity firms Berkshire Partners and Greenbriar Equity Group. GM paid $ 2 billion to sever its ties with Fiat in 2005, severing ties with the company due to an increasingly contentious dispute. GM began adding its " Mark of Excellence " emblem on all new vehicles produced and sold in North America in mid-2005. However, after
6678-482: The first hydrogen fuel cell car ever produced. Though fuel cells have existed since the early 1800s, General Motors was the first to use a fuel cell, supplied by Union Carbide , to power the wheels of a vehicle with a budget of "millions of dollars". In the 1960s, GM was an early proponent of V6 engines , but quickly lost interest as the popularity of muscle cars increased. GM demonstrated gas turbine vehicles powered by kerosene , an area of interest throughout
6784-411: The five-door Escudos in October 1996. Also for the 1996 model year, Suzuki introduced the Suzuki X-90 , which was mechanically identical to the Vitara but had a much rounder, two-seater body with a separate trunk and removable T-bar roof. The Suzuki X-90 disappeared from Suzuki's lineup after the 1998 model year. The Vitara Sport variant was replaced by the Grand Vitara in 1999. When introduced in 1988,
6890-417: The five-door V6 models was at 100 kW (134 hp) at 6500 rpm. Some of the 1.6-litre variant for the 3-door models were named the Suzuki Vitara Rebel. Many paint or trim or sticker-variants appeared as marketing exercises during the model's run in Australia. All models in Australia were sold as four-wheel drives. Early 3-door automatics featured a 3-speed transmission, this was a GM sourced TH180 which
6996-497: The gasoline was harmful to various biological organisms including humans. Evidence shows that corporate executives understood the health implications of tetraethyllead from the beginning. As an engineer for GM, Midgley also developed chlorofluorocarbons , which have now been banned due to their contribution to climate change . Under the encouragement of GM President Alfred P. Sloan Jr., GM acquired Vauxhall Motors for $ 2.5 million in 1925. The company also acquired an interest in
7102-415: The industry, but abandoned the alternative engine configuration due to the 1973 oil crisis . In partnership with Boeing , GM's Delco Defense Electronics Division designed the Lunar Roving Vehicle , which traversed the surface of the Moon, in 1971. The following year, GM produced the first rear wheel anti-lock braking system for two models: the Toronado and Eldorado. In 1973, the Oldsmobile Toronado
7208-527: The largest seller of horse-drawn vehicles at the time. The first half of the 20th century saw the company grow into an automotive behemoth through acquisitions; going into the second half, the company pursued innovation and new offerings to consumers as well as collaborations with NASA to develop the earliest electric vehicles . The current entity was established in 2009 after the General Motors Chapter 11 reorganization . As of 2024 , General Motors ranks 25th by total revenue out of all American companies on
7314-459: The loans to keep GM in business. The action of the bankers was partially influenced by the Panic of 1910–1911 that followed the earlier enforcement of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 . In 1911, Charles F. Kettering of Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (DELCO) and Henry M. Leland invented and patented the first electric starter in America. In November 1911, Durant co-founded Chevrolet with race car driver Louis Chevrolet , who left
7420-433: The plant to arrest strikers, leading to violence; in other cities, the plants were shuttered peacefully. The strike was resolved on February 11, 1937, when GM recognized the UAW as the exclusive bargaining representative for its workers and gave workers a 5% raise and permission to speak in the lunchroom. Walter E. Jominy and A.L. Boegehold of GM invented the Jominy end-quench test for hardenability of carbon steel in 1937,
7526-430: The previous generation Grand Vitara. It has a luggage space of 375-litre, expanding to 710-litre with rear seats folded (VDA method). The fourth-generation Vitara features a 5-speed manual transmission for the 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 6-speed manual transmission for the 1.6-litre diesel engine. A 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is also available for the 1.6-litre petrol engine. Suzuki released
7632-528: The pricing strategy used by car companies today. The pricing strategy had Chevrolet , Pontiac , Oldsmobile , Buick , and Cadillac priced from least expensive to most, respectively. In 1921, Thomas Midgley Jr. , an engineer for GM, discovered tetraethyllead (leaded gasoline) as an antiknock agent, and GM patented the compound because ethanol could not be patented. This led to the development of higher compression engines resulting in more power and efficiency. The public later realized that lead contained in
7738-528: The raingutters do fit on the longitudinal rails, but do stand taller than normal raingutter mounted ones. Many of these were later converted to 5-seat passenger cars with normal white registration plates. All Vitaras sold in Norway (and other Scandinavian countries) were modified to have the low beams automatically turn on with the engine running, similarly to DRLs on the CAMI versions of the car. Another modified version of
7844-451: The rear bumper, in addition to extra styling options like mud flaps, sidesteps, an A-shaped bullbar and auxiliary high beam lights. The Suzuki Vitara Commercial was available in the UK. It was a Santana-built 3-door tintop Vitara panel van, with no rear windows. The Vitara Commercial had the JX 1.9 TD trim level, and sported a Peugeot XUD9 1.9-litre diesel engine. In 1999, the 1.9-litre diesel engine
7950-523: The rear solid axle was replaced with a fully independent multi-link suspension. Depending on the market, engine options included a 1.6-litre inline-four with 125 PS (92 kW), 2.0-litre inline-four with 140 PS (103 kW), 2.7-litre V6 with 185 PS (136 kW), and a 1.9-litre Renault-sourced diesel engine with 127 PS (93 kW). The engine and transmission are longitudinally mounted, unlike most front-wheel-drive-based compact SUVs in its class. Most engines are available with either
8056-532: The reorganization in 2009, the company no longer added the logo, saying that emphasis on its four core divisions would downplay the GM logo. In 2005, Edward T. Welburn was promoted to the newly created position of vice president, GM Global Design, making him the first African American to lead a global automotive design organization and the highest-ranking African American in the US motor industry at that time. On July 1, 2016, he retired from General Motors after 44 years. He
8162-410: The same age and mileage. In addition, these vehicles had less insulation than the Japanese ones since they were built for warmer climates. Some of these have also been exported to South America. Some of the notable differences between the Japanese and Spanish models are different wheels, different paint schemes and details, different side plastic trim, interior details on the Spanish ones in fake wood, and
8268-554: The same period, the 1.6-litre 16-valve G16B engine was introduced for Escudo/Sidekick range, but still with carburettor. Another special variant called Sidekick Drag One was introduced in 1996, followed by Sidekick X Pro and Sidekick cruiser in 1997, this variant was placed between the basic Sidekick and Escudo. Both the Escudo Nomade and the Sidekick was available until the launch of Grand Escudo (full model change) in June 2001. The Vitara
8374-457: The second generation model in November 1997. Slightly larger, more expensive, and more powerful, it used a light-duty automobile-type rack-and-pinion steering box instead of the recirculating ball truck unit used in the first generation. The three-door version remained in the mini SUV class while the five-door version moved up to a compact SUV . In most international markets the name "Grand Vitara"
8480-480: The second-generation Suzuki XL7 was available in five trim levels: Base (2007-08 only), Special (2007 only), Premium (2008-2009 only), Luxury (2007-2009), and Limited (2007-2009). Depending upon the trim level selected, both two-row, five-passenger seating and XL7 specific three-row, seven-passenger seating were available (the related Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent did not offer third-row seating as an option). All XL7s came decently equipped, and depending upon
8586-665: The successors to the two-row XL7. The 2009 XL7 would be the final vehicle built by General Motors (GM) in partnership with Suzuki Motors . The second generation XL7 was also sold in Latin America , the Middle East , etc. The XL7 nameplate was revived in 2020 for a crossover -inspired derivative of the second-generation Ertiga multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Vehicles exclusive to Mexico Vehicles exclusive to Canada Suzuki Grand Vitara The Suzuki Vitara
8692-537: The third-generation Escudo in Japan in April 2017, however production would continue for export markets. In Indonesia, the third-generation Grand Vitara was discontinued in 2018. It was also no longer available in Europe, CIS countries and Southeast Asia. It was no longer listed on the Suzuki Philippines website as of January 2019, indicating that it was no longer available. In Iran, it was discontinued in July 2019 due to
8798-499: The time, was an ardent opponent of the New Deal , which bolstered labor unions and public transport . Sloan admired and supported Adolf Hitler . Nazi armaments chief Albert Speer allegedly said in 1977 that Hitler "would never have considered invading Poland" without synthetic fuel technology provided by General Motors. GM was compensated $ 32 million by the U.S. government because its German factories were bombed by U.S. forces during
8904-430: The trim level selected, could be equipped with options such as a premium audio system with a subwoofer and an amplifier, faux wood interior trim, luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces with power-adjustable and heated dual front bucket seats, remote start, a security system, chrome-clad aluminum-alloy wheels, a power sunroof, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system (2009 models only), a single-disc, CD/MP3 player audio system,
9010-475: The vehicle length by 200 mm and vehicle weight as well, however at the cost of having a tyre repair kit instead of a spare tyre. In the second quarter of 2012 for the 2013 model year, Suzuki unveiled a facelifted Vitara with new wheels, a new grille and front lights. The V6 engine was discontinued. Starting with this facelift, the Grand Vitara in Indonesia is imported from Japan. Suzuki officially discontinued
9116-510: The war. Effective January 28, 1953, Charles Erwin Wilson , then GM president, was named by Dwight D. Eisenhower as United States Secretary of Defense . In December 1953, GM acquired Euclid Trucks , a manufacturer of heavy equipment for earthmoving , including dump trucks , loaders and wheel tractor-scrapers , which later spawned the Terex brand. Alfred P. Sloan retired as chairman and
9222-627: Was Imported by Siam International Corporation Co. Ltd. on 2002. In Indonesia, the Grand Escudo XL-7 was launched on July 19, 2003, at the 12th Gaikindo Auto Expo . Introduced on November 22, 2006, Suzuki partnered with General Motors to build the 2007 model year version, now called XL7 (without the hyphen). It used the same unibody platform and many of the same components as the Chevrolet Equinox , Pontiac Torrent , Saturn Vue and Opel Antara but incorporated third-row seating exclusive to
9328-531: Was adopted. In many markets it was originally only available with larger (two litres and up) engines while the earlier Vitara was still available with smaller engines. In the United Kingdom, a 1.6-litre Grand Vitara (the GV1600) arrived in early 2001. The Vitara continued production under the name Escudo in Japan and Indonesia. Mazda also continued selling rebadged Escudo in Japan as Proceed Levante until 2000 when it
9434-409: Was an immediate success across Europe. Italy had enacted a law which allowed off-roaders to bypass EEC quotas on Japanese imports, allowing the Vitara to be sold there without limits. In 1988, however, as a direct response to the considerable sales of the Vitara, Italy's Ministry of Foreign Commerce enacted a law requiring "at least one differential lock" for a vehicle to be considered an off-roader -
9540-493: Was barely concealed smuggling and led the government to arresting more than 200 government, customs and law enforcement officials in the southern Guangdong area around Zhanjiang on September 8, 1998. This affair was known as "9898 smuggling case", the largest mainland smuggling racket of the last 50 years. The state's lost revenue was estimated around ¥30 billion from the illegal import of thousands of tonnes of crude oil, steel, cars and other manufactured goods. Suzuki announced
9646-721: Was brought in from Japan for European buyers and sold alongside the Canadian-made convertibles. The 2001 model Suzuki Grand Vitara comes standard as a 2.0-litre 4WD vehicle in New Zealand. This generation was also assembled in Argentina by General Motors in Alvear, Santa Fe from 2000 to 2005 along with the Chevrolet version for several countries in South American market. In the Philippines,
9752-478: Was consolidated into GM on May 2, 1918, and the same year GM acquired United Motors , a parts supplier founded by Durant and headed by Alfred P. Sloan for $ 45 million, and the McLaughlin Motor Car Company , founded by R. S. McLaughlin , became General Motors of Canada Limited. In 1919, GM acquired Guardian Frigerator Company , part-owned by Durant, which was renamed Frigidaire . Also in 1919,
9858-560: Was eventually discontinued in 2004, seven years after it had become the first American car brand to turn 100. In May 2004, GM delivered the first full-sized pickup truck hybrid vehicles , the 1/2-ton Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra trucks. These mild hybrids did not use electrical energy for propulsion, like GM's later designs. Later, the company debuted another hybrid technology, co-developed with DaimlerChrysler and BMW , in diesel-electric hybrid powertrain manufactured by Allison Transmission for transit buses. Continuing to target
9964-412: Was introduced for the 2005 model year. The third-generation received significant changes over the outgoing model. The ladder-frame construction was replaced with unibody construction which featured a unique built-in ladder frame to improve stiffness and ground clearance while also reducing the floor (and subsequently the roof) height. The outgoing model's front MacPherson strut suspension was retained while
10070-456: Was launched in 2005. The fourth generation, released in 2015, reverted to the original name "Vitara" in most markets, but shifted from an off-road SUV towards a more road-oriented crossover style. It shares the platform and many components with the slightly larger SX4 S-Cross . The model introduced in 2022 for the Indian market only reuses the "Grand Vitara" nameplate. It is slightly larger than
10176-683: Was marketed as Vitara EPI (Electronic Petrol Injection). However, due to the much higher price that the earlier Vitara, the Vitara EPI sold poorly, discontinued in late 1995. Minor facelifts became available in July 1996, when the Escudo/Sidekick got a new interior with rounded dashboard and meter cluster, new front grille, and two-tone colour options on JLX trim. The JLX trim was replaced by Escudo Nomade variant in August 1997, it initially came with two-tone color but returned to single-tone body color in 1999. At
10282-522: Was not as widely available but is sought after by modifiers. In Indonesia, Suzuki only sold the 5-door model under three different nameplates. It was first introduced as the Vitara in August 1992. Suzuki launched a two-wheel drive version labelled as the Escudo in late 1993 to target urban-driver market and to avoid higher taxes on four-wheel-drive vehicles, while the four-wheel-drive Vitara with 1.6-litre 8-valve G16A carburetor engine remained available until May 1994. The Escudo sales began in early 1994. Both
10388-477: Was only available in conjunction with a 5-speed manual. The 2.0 L J20A petrol inline-four is available in both bodystyles, usually with a 5-speed manual, but a 4-speed automatic transmission is also available. In the second half of 2008, the Grand Vitara was given a facelift and two new engines. A Suzuki-developed 2.4-litre inline four is offered producing 166 PS (122 kW; 164 hp) and 221 N⋅m (163 lb⋅ft) of torque, usually in conjunction with
10494-488: Was replaced by Mazda Tribute . It received its facelift in 2000, 2002 and again in 2004. As of 2003, the smaller Vitara has been withdrawn from the North American market. Sales were slow, with just 4,860 sold in 2004 for the United States. In Canada, sales were strong. All North American Vitaras were built at CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario facility. The soft-top was only built in North America. The 3/5-door wagon
10600-557: Was replaced by Michael Simcoe . In 2006, GM introduced a bright yellow fuel cap on its vehicles to remind drivers that cars can operate using E85 ethanol fuel . They also introduced another hybrid vehicle that year, the Saturn Vue Green Line . In 2008, General Motors committed to engineering half of its manufacturing plants to be landfill-free by recycling or reusing waste in the manufacturing process. Continuing their environmental-conscious development, GM started to offer
10706-467: Was replaced by more modern 2.0-litre DW10 HDi turbodiesel engine. In Norway, a modified version of the 5-door version with a taller glass fibre roof were sold with green van registration plates to bypass some tax laws. These models had no rear seats and a grille separating the front seats and the rear compartment. In addition, these had longitudinal roof rails and special custom made, removable transverse roof bars. Normal roof racks intended to be mounted in
10812-435: Was sold as the "Escudo Nomade" in Japan. It was thought that the 5-door would overlap with the shorter 3-door in the market; instead, it appealed to a whole new segment and sales in the domestic Japanese market doubled as a result. 1991 brought the introduction of rear anti-lock brakes . European deliveries of the five-door version began in the summer of 1991. In December 1994, a 2.0-liter V6 (Suzuki's first six-cylinder) and
10918-537: Was succeeded by Albert Bradley in April 1956. In 1962, GM introduced the first ever turbocharged production car in the world in the Oldsmobile Cutlass Turbo-Jetfire. Two years later, the company introduced its " Mark of Excellence " logo and trademark at the 1964 New York World's Fair . The company used the mark as their main corporate identifier until 2021. GM released the Electrovan in 1966,
11024-496: Was the first retail car sold with a passenger airbag . Thomas Murphy became CEO of the company, succeeding Richard C. Gerstenberg in November 1974. GM installed its first catalytic converters in its 1975 models. From 1978 to 1985, GM pushed the benefits of diesel engines and cylinder deactivation technologies. However, it had disastrous results due to poor durability in the Oldsmobile diesels and drivability issues in
11130-508: Was unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show . Its production by Magyar Suzuki in Hungary started in March 2015 and parallels with the third-generation model produced in Japan until 2019. The Vitara went on sale in Japan as the fourth-generation Escudo on 15 October 2015. Unlike the previous generations, the all-new fourth-generation model was changed from the traditional ladder frame SUV platform to
11236-497: Was used in Holden Kingswoods and early Commodores and was said to not be robust as the later Suzuki-built 4-speed electronic overdrive auto transmission. The rear diff on the 1st series Vitara was colloquially-known as "the Japanese 9-inch" as it was a very strong diff and hard to damage, even with oversized tyres. The front diffs were less strong, those with the aluminium-cased housing the weakest. The front diff with steel housing
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