Suzuki Swift from Esztergom: 20 years in production

Men at work

Serial production of the first-generation Swift in Hungary began 20 years ago. Instead of the usual celebration involving candles and cutting ribbons, Magyar Suzuki had a rather special way of commemorating the 20th birthday of the small people’s car. Suzuki invited journalists to for one day take part as workers in the factory’s everyday life.

The guests could prove their professionalism and make use of their knowledge in the field in a practical environment. They had to carry out tasks that were some ways or other in connection with one of the Suzuki models manufactured at the Esztergom plant.

During its history in Hungary, several cars have been made in Esztergom: the first, second and third generation Swift, the WagonR, the Ignis, the Splash and the various versions of the SX4.

1991 Magyar Suzuki Rt founded. Value of investment 32 billion Japanese yen.

1992 Test production begins. Production of 1.0 and 1.3-litre 5-door Swifts starts.

1993 Production of 4-door sedans begins.

1994 Export starts.

1996 100,000 Hungarian Swifts from Hungary.

2000 Production of the WagonR+ starts.

2003 Production of Ignis launched in Esztergom.

2004 Production of Diesel WagonR+ and Ignis launched.

2005 New Swift, flagship of Suzuki’ Way of Life! Philosophy, presented.

2006 February 27: first SX4 rolls down production line.

In October, 1-millionth car finished.

2008 As a result of years of development production capacity reaches 280,000 units per year

First Splash rolls down production line.

Magyar Suzuki founds Puskás-Suzuki Cup in collaboration with the Puskás Ferenc Football Academy.

Suzuki as diamond supporter of the Hungarian Olympics Team

In September, Suzuki celebrates 1.5-millonth car.

2010 Third-generation Swift launches.

2011 Company celebrates 20th birthday.

July 14: 2 million cars from Esztergom.

2012 In October, Magyar Suzuki celebrates Swift’s 20 years of production.