Suzuki achieves car sales of 80 million units

Suzuki Motor Corporation has achieved 80 million units of cumulative sales by the end of August 2023. The Japanese brand has been most popular in its home country, with 28.9 million units (36%) being sold there. The second most popular region has been India with 32.6% of sales taking place there.

Since the launch of the Suzulight in October 1955, Suzuki has been developing mini vehicles that fit the brief of being innovative, creative and suiting the customers’ needs. The Suzulight was first sold overseas in 1959 and production soon followed, with Pakistan in 1975, India in 1983 and Hungary in 1992 all manufacturing cars.

Nowadays, Suzuki has 15 production bases in 10 countries, including Japan and cars are sold in 184 countries worldwide. The Alto, which was launched in 1979, accounts for 20% of the 80 million units that have sold and has driven Suzuki sales in India in particular.

Click here to read Graham Courtney’s review of the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid.

Flying Huntsman 90 Spyder

Flying Huntsman, the coachbuilding arm of KAHN, have launched their latest project , the Flying Huntsman 90 Spyder, based on the current Land Rover Defender platform.

Past ventures have included the Vengeance and 6x6, Longnose and Homage II Defender projects. Each Spyder will undergo a meticulous six month hand built process in Coventry, using NS3 grade aluminium to create the grand tourer. The factory roof will be replaced with a hard wearing canvas equivalent and extra storage space will be offered compared to the factory Defender 90.

The first units of the Flying Huntsman 90 Spyder are set for completion in the second quarter of 2024 and will be limited to just 8 units per year.

McLaren to race in World Endurance Championship from next year

McLaren has followed Aston Martin by announcing its intention to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) from 2024 using two 720S GT3 EVO cars.

This year has been a big one for McLaren as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Tributes have been made across a series of events, including a special livery at the Monaco GP, which referenced McLaren becoming the first brand to win the famous Triple Crown. Participation in next year’s WEC will see McLaren return to Le Mans, 29 years after its iconic debut victory there.

United Autosports has been chosen as its racing partner and since forming in 2010, has established itself as one of the most respected teams in sportscar and GT racing. Based in Wakefield, Yorkshire, United has a previous history with McLaren Motorsport being one of the first to race the original 12C GT3 race car. The team has secured multiple championship victories including the WEC and Le Mans in 2020, using established drivers like Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris and Juan Pablo Montoya.

In Formula 1, last weekend’s sweltering Qatar Grand Prix saw McLaren secure the remaining two podium finishes behind Max Verstappen. Numerous drivers struggled with the heat and humidity on track, with some experiencing sickness and exhaustion during and after the race. This has prompted the FIA to look at making changes regarding the future of the race.

Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival to include new ‘Dubai Classics’ category

This year’s running of the Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival will include an all-new category, ‘Dubai Classics’, which will feature 30 of Dubai’s most unique classic cars.

Created in 2017 by Dubai-based motorsports company GP Extreme, Gulf Historic celebrates the most iconic cars in motorsport and began at the Yas Marina Circuit, home to the finale of the modern day Formula 1 calendar.

The vehicles will be on display in the paddock before taking part in a 20 minute open pitlane track session on each day of the three day event. Participants in the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE with an eligible car can stick around and extend their driving trip by entering their car into the new category

Motorbike featured in Bourne film to premier at National Motor Museum

A Greek police 2015 Husqvarna FE 450 modified motorbike ridden by Matt Damon as Jason Bourne is now at the National Motor Museum Beaulieu. In the film, Bourne rides the bike through a riot in Athens after stealing it from a police officer. From there, he uses it to fight off police and ‘The Asset’ played by Vincent Cassel.

Whilst the scene supposedly took place in Athens, filming for the sequence was done on the island of Tenerife in 2015. The bike is on loan to the Museum from owner Gordon Grant and will be on display in the On-Screen Cars exhibition alongside other famous movie vehicles.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Suzuki, KAHN, McLaren, Gulf Historic & National Motor Museum - Beaulieu