Suzuki Grand Vitara Marine Concept Debuts at 2011 SEMA Show

CLEVELAND, Oct. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Quality, dependability and innovation are qualities that can be used to describe any one of American Suzuki Motor Corporation's (ASMC) three exceptional divisions – Automobile, Motorcycle/ATV and Marine – and their respective product offerings. At the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, students at Ohio Technical College (OTC) have used a 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara as a canvas to highlight two of Suzuki's popular brands with its head-turning, nautical-inspired Grand Vitara Marine Concept, which will be displayed at OTC's show exhibit, #38149 in the Upper Level of South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Nov. 1-4.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100503/LA97823LOGO)

"The Grand Vitara Marine Concept exemplifies the unique combination of passion and innovation, and we couldn't be more pleased with the finished product," said Jeff Holland, director of public relations and social media, American Suzuki. "It was a pleasure working with the students at Ohio Technical College, and we hope this motivates other groups to creatively express themselves and the passion they have for Suzuki and the automotive industry."

The Grand Vitara Marine Concept offers a unique convertible design, along with an imaginative exterior paint scheme intended to appeal to any waterman. In addition, the one-of-a-kind Grand Vitara project vehicle features a Suzuki outboard motor on the back of the SUV and other fabricated modifications to make it resemble a boat. Additional aesthetic and functional enhancements provided by aftermarket accessories partners Stylin' Trucks, ARB, Square One Energy and Hydro Fuel 2 Go include:

• Oversized chrome wheels
• Toyo off-road tires
• Suspension lift
• Bull bar bumper with winch
• Ocean liner horn
• Bar side steps
• Hood scoop
• Shaved door handle kit
• Back-up camera
• Chrome exhaust tips
• Surfboard rear view mirror
• DVD headrest entertainment system
• LED underbody and headlights
• Hydro cell provided by Hydro Fuel 2 Go
• Hydrogen generator electronics provided by Square One Energy

"After a successful project build with the customized Hot Wheels inspired 1957 Chevy Bel Air for industry veteran Vic Edelbrock, we were very excited to start this project vehicle with Suzuki," said Tom King, director of enrollment management, OTC. "This project will provide OTC students in our Restoration, Automotive and our Custom Paint and Graphics Programs with another unique learning opportunity in vehicle modification."

Following its debut at the 2011 SEMA Show, the Grand Vitara Marine Concept will be featured in Suzuki's booth at upcoming auto shows and other events, as well as OTC's exhibit at various AutoRama events throughout 2012.

2011 Suzuki Auto Product Line

Suzuki is proud to offer the most affordable all-wheel-drive lineup available in the U.S. and maintains a versatile array of vehicles, including the spirited SX4 Sport sedan, multipurpose five-door SX4 Crossover, SX4 SportBack hot hatch, refined Grand Vitara compact SUV, award-winning Equator pickup truck and performance-oriented Kizashi Sport. Every vehicle in the line provides Suzuki's standout virtues of durability, leading-edge style and high-content at a competitive price. All 2011 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America's #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.  

About Suzuki Auto

The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 250 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2010, SMC sold more than 2.5 million new cars and trucks and more than three million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 193 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com. Suzuki can also be found on Twitter (@SuzukiAuto), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SuzukiAuto) and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/SuzukiAutomotive).

About Ohio Technical College

Ohio Technical College (OTC) is an accredited private, proprietary technical school dedicated to providing premier technical training in the world of modern mechanics by pursuing industry alliances, providing outstanding training equipment and focusing on the needs of individual students.  An Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) college, OTC and its PowerSport Institute branch campus encompass nearly 800,000 sq. ft. of classroom and workshop space. Drawing students from all over the United States, OTC offers technician training programs in Automotive, Diesel, Auto-Diesel, Collision Repair, Classic Car Restoration, High Performance and Racing, Welding and PowerSport Technology as well as specialization in BMW, Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Custom Bike Building, Custom Paint and Graphics, and Power Generator Systems. Motorcycle technician training is provided through the PowerSport Institute, a branch campus of OTC in North Randall, Ohio. For more information, write to Ohio Technical College at 1374 E. 51st St. Cleveland, Ohio, 44103; call 800.322.7000 ext. 163; or visit http://www.ohiotechnicalcollege.com and http://www.psi-now.com.

SOURCE American Suzuki Motor Corporation