According to a statement read this morning by Human Resource Manager John Young:
"As you might have seen earlier last evening ASMC (American Suzuki Motor Corp.) announced that it will re-align its U.S. business to focus on the long-term growth of its motorcycles, ATV and marine divisions and will wind down and discontinue new automobile sales in the United States. ASMC determined the best path to achieve this realignment in an efficient and orderly manner is to restructure its operations under Chapter 11.
The most important things I want to make certain is that SMAC employees understand that:
- SMAC is not part of or impacted by ASMC's announcement.
- It will be business as usual here at SMAC for all employees. ASMC continues business as usual during its realignment and restructuring.
- We will continue to work closely with SMAC during its realignment and in future."
Posted earlier:
BREA, Calif. (AP) — American Suzuki Motor Corp. on Monday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and said it will cease selling automobiles in the U.S. as part of a plan to restructure its business.
The company, based in Brea, Calif., is the sole distributor of Suzuki Motor Co. vehicles in the continental U.S.
In documents filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Central District of California, the company estimated that its debts and liabilities range from at least $100 million to as much as $500 million.
It also said it has between 1,000 and 5,000 creditors.
American Suzuki Motor said it has enough cash to operate during the restructuring and intends to honor all car warranties and buyback agreements. It will work with its car dealerships to help them transition into parts-and-service operations. In some cases, the dealerships will be shuttered, it said.
Once it exits bankruptcy protection, American Suzuki Motor said it will focus on selling Suzuki motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and marine outboard engines.
It said that it is exiting the car business because of slow sales, unfavorable foreign exchange rates and high costs due to U.S. regulatory requirements.
It sold 2,023 vehicles in October, which was up 5 percent from the same month last year. Its Grand Vitara sport utility vehicle posted a 64 percent jump in sales last month, although American Suzuki did not say how many of them were sold. In May, the last month it provided a breakdown of its sales, it moved 474 Grand Vitaras, while its biggest seller was its SX4 small crossover, of which 1,101 were sold.
The bankruptcy and reorganization are unrelated to its parent Japan-based Suzuki Motor Corp., which intends to buy the American subsidiary's remaining businesses and automotive service operation.
The reorganized company will retain the American Suzuki Motor name, the company said.
1. They are usually as "in-the-dark" as anyone.
2. If their lips are moving, they're probably lying.
Mark my words. More unemployment to come.