2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara Limited Sport Utility 4-door 2.5l on 2040-cars

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205k Suzuki models being investigated for airbag sensor issue

The Detroit News is reporting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation on the 2006-11 Suzuki Grand Vitara and 2007-11 Suzuki SX4 due to issues with the airbag and seatbelt for the front passenger seat. So far, NHTSA has received 128 complaints on these vehicles for airbag warning lights, airbag off lights and seatbelt lights, on a vehicle set that totals around 205,000 units, but there is no indication as to how many, if any, injuries have reported.
Via technical service bulletins, Suzuki has already acknowledged two airbag-related issues with front passenger seats on both vehicles, including a programming error for the passenger seat load indicator on 2009 models and an open-circuit problem for the sensor mat that determines if an adult or child is sitting in the front seat. Since this latter issue would not shut off or lessen the impact of the passenger airbag, Suzuki has already extended the warranty for the seat cushion bottom to 10 years or 120,000 miles. After ceasing new-car sales in the US and Canada, potential recall repairs (which still may or may not happen) would be handled by remaining dealers as laid out in the recent court-approved bankruptcy plan.

Suzuki sallies forth with new C-segment crossover with fishy S-Cross Concept

It's not what we'd call attractive, really, but at least the new S-Cross Concept is something fresh from Suzuki. Introduced to the world at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Suzuki says the pale green machine previews its upcoming production C-segment crossover.
We hope some of its fishier elements - according to Suzie, the specially created Crystal Green Metallic body color evokes "nature in the city and the city in nature", whatever that means - remain in the conceptual pond, but either way, it's good to see that the Japanese automaker hasn't lost its will to compete in a heated segment of the market. In fact, Suzuki promises that the S-Cross "will be the first in an ambitious program of annual European model launches which Suzuki will be starting in 2013. "
What are the chances we'll see a production version of this crossover concept in the U.S.? Your Magic 8 Ball is as good as ours... In any case, feel free to peruse the press release below.

VW, Suzuki mulling rekindling relationship in face of legal battle

Volkswagen and Suzuki have been undergoing marriage counseling in a bid to avoid finalizing their nasty divorce. The blissful union has been troubled for some time, with Volkswagen claiming that it could affect operational decisions at Suzuki, and the Japanese brand's sniping and constant flirting with a certain Italian temptress causing rifts.
The matter first went to court in 2012, when Suzuki demanded VW get out, and leave its 19.9-percent stake in the Japanese brand in a box to the left. Now, Automotive News is reporting that the company will give the relationship one last shot, according to closed-door dealings between the two in London.
Still, it's understood that VW and Suzuki recognize the benefit of their alliance, and that it'd be in the best interests of the kids both parties to make things work. Spokespeople declined to comment to AN, but the newsmagazine spoke with Frank Biller, an analyst for LBBW in Stuttgart, who said, "Both companies stand to benefit if they can overcome the disagreements over leadership claims."