Suzuki just hit a major milestone in the Philippines. On 13 June 2025, the Japanese automaker held a special ceremony in Manila to celebrate 50 years since it began operations in the country back in 1975.
Leading the celebration were Suzuki Motor Corporation President Toshihiro Suzuki and Suzuki Philippines President Koichiro Hirao. Around 400 people attended the event, including dealers, partners, and other key figures who have been part of the company’s journey through the decades.
Suzuki’s story in the Philippines began with the Antonio Suzuki Corporation, a joint venture that initially focused on motorcycle production. By 1985, Suzuki had taken full ownership and renamed the company to Suzuki Philippines Inc. Over time, it steadily ramped up its manufacturing capabilities, eventually reaching a production output of around 200,000 motorcycles per year by 2012.
The company didn’t stop at two wheels. It entered the automobile market in 1999, then later added outboard motors to its lineup in 2016. Its manufacturing facility also moved from Pasig to Calamba, where it operates today.
In his speech during the event, Toshihiro Suzuki thanked everyone who had supported the brand through the years. “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of the Philippines, the government officials, dealers, suppliers and customers who have supported Suzuki Philippines Inc. over the past 50 years,” he said. He added that the Philippines continues to be a vital market for Suzuki, as demand for mobility keeps rising.
Today, Suzuki Philippines employs around 900 people. It has produced about 2.83 million motorcycles and sold roughly 2.79 million of them. On the automotive side, it has sold around 220,000 vehicles in total.
After half a century in the country, Suzuki is sticking to its goal of providing “infrastructure mobility closely connected with people’s lives” — a reminder that for many Filipinos, Suzuki isn’t just a brand, but a part of their daily journey.