American Suzuki Motor Corp. and American Suzuki Automotive Credit on Sept. 27 announced the expansion of their retail finance program to include zero percent financing on the entire 2001 automotive product line for up to 60 months, besting other car companies' recently announced zero percent APR finance programs.

This enhancement gives Suzuki buyers the chance to lock in what Suzuki calls "the best financing for any new 2001 model car or SUV currently sold in the United States."

American Suzuki was already offering zero percent financing on several 2001 models but it sweetens the deal offered until Oct. 31, 2001, by extending the term to 60 months and extending the offer across its seven-model line of cars and SUVs.

This means a Suzuki buyer can now save more than $6,300 on the purchase of a top-of-the-line XL-7 Limited Edition, which Suzuki calles "the first affordable SUV with seating for seven passengers." A Grand Vitara buyer can now save $5,600 in financing costs and drive home a V6-powered SUV with optional four-wheel drive. Also included in the offer are the Swift, Esteem Sedan and Wagon cars, and the Suzuki Vitara Two- and Four-Door SUVs.

New television and newspaper advertisements will tout the enhanced deal to customers beginning Sept. 29. The ads will offer buyers a choice of a $249 monthly lease on the new-for-2001 XL-7 or the zero percent/60-month purchase program.

"Either way, the new owner can drive away in an even more affordable SUV loaded with features such as cassette/CD stereo, privacy glass, micron air filtration, seating for seven, front and rear air conditioning and a shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system," American Suzuki said in a statement.

About American Suzuki Motor Corporation

The Automotive Division of American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC), in Brea, Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corp. ASMC markets automobiles in the United States through a network of more than 420 automotive dealerships in 49 states.

ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corp. (SMC), is a diversified worldwide manufacturer, selling a variety of vehicles in 191 countries. Founded in 1920, it is based in Hamamatsu, Japan.