American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) has broken its own all-time sales record, rolled out its eagerly anticipated all-new XL7 and SX4, bolstered its dealer network and unveiled an engaging brand campaign. Now, ASMC has announced that its 2007 Grand Vitara has received the prestigious Consumer Guide(R)(1) Automotive Best Buy award. An integral part of Suzuki's life enthusiast brand proposition and its diverse product line, the Grand Vitara has helped drive record-breaking sales and received numerous industry awards since it was first introduced in 2006. The longstanding popularity of the Grand Vitara, coupled with the recent introduction of the Suzuki XL7 and SX4, has put Suzuki on track to exceed 100,000 vehicle sales for the first time in the company's 21-year history.

The Best Buy award in the Compact Sport-Utility Vehicle category presented by Consumer Guide(R) Automotive was Suzuki's first. Every year, Consumer Guide(R) Automotive editors select new vehicles from the hundreds of cars they evaluate for a Best Buy or Recommended award and choose the best overall values in 17 category segments, ranging from inexpensive compact cars to premium luxury SUVs. A vehicle's price, features, accommodations and its performance during test drives are considered when determining a Best Buy or Recommended award. A Best Buy represents an optimum balance of attributes within its class across 10 rating categories.

In addition to its industry award success, the five-passenger Grand Vitara has played a key role in Suzuki's record-setting sales in 2006. Through the first 10 months of 2006, ASMC has achieved a 25 percent sales increase over the same period in 2005. To date, the company has sold 87,278 vehicles, easily besting the record-setting annual sales of 82,101 vehicles sold in 2005. Suzuki also attributes its record sales to its expanding network of more than 520 U.S. dealers, and America's # 1 Warranty -- Suzuki's industry-leading, 100,000 mile, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.