In the present day, most of us relate to Suzuki as a manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs and pocket-friendly cars. But can you guess how the company received its resources to expand into different lines of businesses? Well, that’s one of the facts we’ll list out in this article. On March 15, 2020, Suzuki Motor Corporation celebrated its centennial. And we think these twenty facts paint quite a picture about how the brand nurtured itself over the decades.

1. In October 1909, Michio Suzuki founded Suzuki Loom Works in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan.

2. In March 1920, Suzuki Loom Manufacturing Co. got reorganised, incorporated and capitalised at JPY 500,000 (~USD 4,666).

3. In June 1952, Suzuki introduced its first motor vehicle – the Power Free 36cc, 2-cycle motorised bicycle.

4. In June 1954, the company got renamed to Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd.

5. In March 1955, Suzuki launched the first motorcycle – the Colleda 125cc.

6. Later in the year, in October, the first four-wheeler named Suzulight 360cc 2-cycle debuted.

7. In September 1961, Suzuki started production of the first lightweight truck – the Suzulight Carry 360cc 2-cycle – in a new plant at Toyokawa, Aichi, Japan.

8. In June 1962, Suzuki won the 50cc-class championship in the Isle of Man TT race.

9. About a year later, in June 1963, Mitsuo Ito became the first Japanese rider to win the Isle of Man TT in the 50cc-class, with a Suzuki motorcycle.

10. In April 1965, Suzuki entered the outboard motor sector with the introduction of D55 5.5hp, 2-cycle motor.

11. In March 1967, Thai Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd. became the first motorcycle assembly plant outside Japan.

12. In April 1970, the Jimny 360cc, 2-cycle 4×4 debuts.

13. In the same year, Suzuki introduced its first electric car.

14. In April 1974, Suzuki officially became a medical equipment supplier with the introduction of the Motor Chair Z600 (motorised wheelchair).

15. In May 1975, Suzuki commenced its first overseas car production with the assembly of the Jimny LJ50 4×4 in Pakistan.

16. In May 1979, the Alto 550cc, 2-cycle debuted.

17. In the same year, Suzuki also introduced the world’s first hydrogen-powered (fuel cell) car.

18. In April 1982, Suzuki and the Indian government signed an agreement to produce Suzuki cars jointly. Later the same year, in October, Suzuki inked a production and distribution contract with Maruti Udyog Ltd., India. Production began in December 1983.

19. In January 1990, Suzuki entered eastern Europe by entering in a joint venture for car production in Hungary.

20. In October 1990, the company changed its name to Suzuki Motor Corporation.