Suzuki has been a fixture on Dutch roads and waters for sixty years. What started with the arrival of a single motorcycle in 1966 grew into a versatile brand that moved generations of motorists, motorcyclists and water sports enthusiasts.
In 2026, Suzuki Netherlands will officially celebrate 60 years as an importer of the Japanese brand. The foundation was laid at the end of 1965 with the signing of the importer contract, after which the very first Suzuki arrived in the Netherlands in early 1966: the T20, a technologically advanced motorcycle that was the starting point of six decades of growth, innovation and loyal customers. Today, Suzuki is on the eve of yet another new chapter, including the fully electric e VITARA that will be introduced in January 2026.
Motorcycles: the first Suzukis on Dutch soil
The Suzuki adventure started on two wheels. The T20 Super Six from 1966 – revolutionary at the time due to its six-speed gearbox and high top speed – made an immediate impression. The brand quickly developed a strong position in the motorcycle world, with Suzuki becoming known for reliability, ease of use and innovation.
Highlights from six decades of motorcycle history:
* 1966 – T20 Super Six: the first Suzuki in the Netherlands, a lightweight two-stroke that immediately wrote history with a speed of 160 km/h.
* 1971 – GT750 ‘Water Buffalo’: the famous water-cooled three-cylinder that became an icon for an entire motorcycle generation.
* 1985 – GSX-R750: the bike that redefined the supersport class; honored in 2025 with the GSX-R1000R Legend Edition.
* 1995 – Bandit series: popular, versatile motorcycles that reached a wide audience.
* 1999 – Hayabusa: for many years the fastest production motorcycle in the world.
* 2002 – V-Strom series: Becoming a popular all-roader for commuting and adventure.
Recent years have been all about innovation with the 800cc platform, which spawned modern models such as the V-Strom 800 and GSX-8S. There was also plenty of sporting success: world titles in the 500cc class with Schwantz (1993) and Roberts Jr. (2000), MotoGP glory with Joan Mir in 2020 and countless successes in cross, supermoto and endurance.
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Cars: six decades of reliable, smart and innovative
Not only motorcyclists discovered Suzuki. In 1969, the first Suzuki car appeared on the Dutch market: the compact and economical Fronte. This was followed by a series of models that left their mark on the street scene.
Important milestones:
* 1979 – LJ80: the all-terrain vehicle that made 4×4 driving accessible.
* 1983 – Swift: now a multi-generational icon with a strong reputation for reliability and economy.
* 1988 – Vitara: a compact, capable SUV that was a hit from day one.
In the years that followed, Suzuki became a permanent fixture in the compact and economical segment, with models such as the Baleno, Alto, Wagon R+ and Splash. The modern Swift, from 2004, further strengthened that image with international design and efficiency awards.
From 2015 onwards, Suzuki experienced a broad innovation with the new Vitara, the characteristic Ignis, the S-Cross and – in 2019 – the return of the beloved Jimny. The step was also taken towards hybrid propulsion with Smart Hybrid technology. With the fully electric e VITARA, which will be released in early 2026, Suzuki is now also entering the next phase of emission-free mobility.
Marine: powerful and innovative technology on the water
Parallel to the advance on the road, Suzuki also built a strong position on the water from 1967 onwards. The big breakthrough came in the 1980s and 1990s with the DF series of four-stroke outboard motors, which were more economical, quieter and more environmentally friendly than many competitors.
Important innovation moments:
* 2006 – DF300: The world’s first 300 hp V6 outboard engine.
* 2009 – Lean Burn technology: a system that significantly reduced fuel consumption.
* 2014 – DF200AP: the first outboard motor with selective rotation.
* 2017 – DF350A: top model with twin propeller and impressive performance.
* 2022 – Micro-Plastic Collection Device: a globally unique technique that filters cooling water for microplastics.
With engines from 2.5 to 350 hp, Suzuki Marine was again the most chosen outboard motor brand in the Netherlands in 2024.
Looking to the future: multi-pathway and close to the customer
Suzuki’s vision for the future is broad and diverse. During the Japan Mobility Show, the brand presented a multi-pathway strategy for cars, motorcycles and marine: from electric vehicles to bio-ethanol engines and smart hybrid solutions.
General manager Geordy Bloem looks ahead to a special anniversary year:
60 years of Suzuki in the Netherlands
From the T20 to the Hayabusa, from the LJ80 to the e VITARA, and from the first four-stroke outboard engines to the DF350A: Suzuki has built up a strong and versatile position over six decades. This will be celebrated in 2026 with special events, retrospectives and anniversary models, together with all the customers, dealers and fans who made Suzuki great.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.