By Rthvika Suvarna


Suzuki Motor aims to develop vehicles with lighter frames and batteries, including in its first fully electric vehicles slated to hit the market next year, as part of long-term plans to minimize energy consumption.

The Japanese automaker on Wednesday reiterated plans to roll out battery EVs beginning in 2025, with an aim to developing vehicles with lighter-weight and more-efficient batteries amid an expected uptick in demand for EVs in the key markets of Japan, India and Europe.

In a presentation of technology strategy for the next decade, Suzuki said it also plans to "reaccelerate" efforts to decrease the weight of its vehicles, make its products more recyclable, and extend the use of a high-efficiency internal combustion engine developed last year.

"We believe that a multi-pathway approach to technology, including EVs, hybrids, and ICEs using carbon-neutral fuels, is necessary depending on the timing and region," the company said.

Suzuki last year unveiled its first fully electric car, an SUV called eVX, with plans to roll it out in 2025 in India, where the company has a majority stake in Maruti Suzuki. Suzuki currently sells a mix of ICE and hybrid vehicles.


Write to Rthvika Suvarna at rthvika.suvarna@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

07-17-24 0701ET