Suzuki plans hybrid version of Kizashi sedan

LOS ANGELES -- American Suzuki Motor Corp. says its Japanese parent is working on a hybrid version of the new Kizashi midsize sedan.

The confirmation from spokesman Jeff Holland followed a report in the Nikkei business daily that said Suzuki Motor Corp. plans to sell a gasoline-electric edition of the Kizashi in North America in 2011, using a system developed with General Motors Co.

Holland gave no rollout date and did not say whether GM would supply the hybrid technology. The standard four-cylinder Kizashi goes on sale this year.

Suzuki product planners have said projected sales for the Kizashi aren't likely to justify investment in a V-6 engine. V-6s account for 30 percent or more of the volume in competitors' midsize sedan lineups. A hybrid four-cylinder could give Suzuki a cost advantage over rival V-6 entries.

(Source: Automotive News)