American Suzuki Unveils Heisman Vehicles in Detroit January 9
4 January 2001
American Suzuki Unveils One-of-a-Kind Heisman Vehicles in Detroit January 9Heisman Trophy and namesake show editions of Grand Vitara and XL-7 debut at North American International Auto Show DETROIT, Jan. 3 In a tribute to the excitement and tradition of college football's Heisman Trophy, American Suzuki Motor Corporation will unveil two one-of-a-kind SUV show vehicles during a festive tailgate party at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on Tuesday, January 9 at 3:10 p.m. Heisman Editions of the Grand Vitara and XL-7 will share the stage with Heisman Trophy winners to highlight American Suzuki's marquee sponsorship of the prestigious Heisman Trophy, awarded annually by the New York Downtown Athletic Club to the outstanding football player in the United States. American Suzuki brings the excitement and inspiration of this symbol of excellence to the Detroit show, knowing Michigan is the perfect place to introduce the Heisman Editions of its highly successful Grand Vitara and groundbreaking XL-7. "When you think of college football, you think of the great football tradition in places like Michigan," explains Gary Anderson, vice president of sales and marketing for American Suzuki. "NAIAS is the perfect place to showcase these unique, colorful, sporty vehicles and celebrate Heisman winners with a first-class tailgate party." Featuring energetic paint schemes with pearl Lively Yellow trim over Catseye Blue Metallic, the Heisman Edition Grand Vitara represents the performance and excitement recent Heisman winners such as Chris Weinke of Florida State and Desmond Howard of the University of Michigan bring to the field. The elegant Heisman Edition XL-7 sports a custom blue-to-bronze colorshifting paint featuring ChromaFlair light interference pigments(R). Both vehicles proudly display Heisman logos. The Heisman Editions are show vehicles. Production XL-7s -- available at dealerships in January 2001 -- will also be on display at the centrally located Suzuki exhibit. Suzuki's vision for a new-generation SUV was first revealed to the public in the form of the XL6 concept SUV at NAIAS in January 2000. Blending high style and impressive flexibility in a manageably sized package, the striking XL6 took the SUV market in a new direction. Now, the new 2001 XL-7 brings that same "best all-around" theme and dynamic look to SUV buyers who want a stylish, versatile, affordable choice. For small SUVs, American Suzuki Motor Corp. has sold 56,570 vehicles to date, an impressive 24 percent increase over sales for the same period last year. With the addition of the XL-7, Suzuki projects sales to top its all-time record for SUV sales in the 15 years Suzuki has been marketing vehicles in the United States. "American Suzuki's sales success is far and above that of its competitors," said Anderson. "The XL-7 is only expected to add to our track record." American Suzuki's popularity with the public and brand awareness continues to increase with the corporation's continued efforts to bring the Suzuki name to the forefront of consumers' minds. In addition to its second year of support for the Heisman Trophy, American Suzuki in 2000 has sponsored the Suzuki Rock-n-Roll Marathon in San Diego, two Ducks Unlimited Great Outdoors Festivals and the Great North American RV Rally.