- Suzuki is dropping the Swift Sport, Jimny LCV, Ignis, and Swace in the UK.
- The killing spree is the result of eco-friendly legislation in Europe and the United Kingdom.
- Automaker to focus on hybrids and EVs, with first electric car arriving next year.
The European Union and the United Kingdom are pushing automakers to go electric, while also tightening emissions standards. This is putting some automakers in a bind, which in turn, results in drastic action.
We’re seeing that today as Suzuki is eliminating four models in “preparation to transition the brand and its dealer network to fully comply with all UK and EU legislation.” As part of this effort, the Swift Sport, Jimny LCV, Ignis, and Swace are toast – at least in the United Kingdom.
More: Suzuki Considers Jimny Pickup, Hybrid, And EV Variants
The models are expected to be gone by early 2025, if not sooner. When this occurs, Suzuki will have a hybrid-focused lineup that consists of the Swift, Vitara, S-Cross, and Across PHEV. Suzuki’s first EV will arrive next year and be followed by additional electric vehicles through 2030.
Suzuki’s Dale Wyatt said, ‘‘The departure of these models will make room for EV[s] and enable us to compete during a period where our sales ratio of hybrid versus EV products will drive our business. We’re exiting the ICE era with a focus on SUV’s and new Swift, then starting in the second half of 2025, we’ll begin a period of EV growth.”
Speaking of the EV, it was previewed by last year’s eVX concept. The company hasn’t said much about it, but previously stated the crossover “aims to carry forward the brand’s 4×4 legacy into the new electric era to deliver a true Suzuki SUV driving experience.” More importantly, the concept had a 60 kWh battery pack that enabled it to travel 342 miles (550 km) in the MIDC cycle.