Suzuki will launch its first electric vehicle in 2025, with more to follow by 2030. Meantime, it is ending UK sales of Swift Sport, Ignis and Jimny in the near future. That way it can focus on the launch of its first EV in H2 of 2025.
However, those key ICE models will continue to be available in New Zealand. All three will remain on sale into 2025 and 2026. Whether or not Swift Sport is updated for the new generation is not yet clear. Hazarding a guess, it’s unlikely given the company is heading down the electric path.
The models for the chop in the UK will be available until early next year, or until dealer stocks run out. The new Suzuki Swift supermini is safe, as are Vitara and S-Cross hybrid SUVs.
Dale Wyatt, Suzuki UK’s managing director said “We’re exiting the ICE era with a focus on SUVs and new Swift. Then, starting in the second half of 2025, we’ll begin a period of EV growth.”
Axing these four models helps Suzuki comply with the UK Government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate that demands carmakers meet specific sales targets for electric vehicles each year.
The percentage of EVs that comprise sales of most brands will also increase each year, rising from 24 per cent in 2024 up to 80 per cent by 2030. Manufacturers face severe fiscal penalties for every ICE car sold above the permitted proportion.
Suzuki’s first electric car is based upon the eVX concept revealed last year. That will have dimensions between those of Vitara and S-Cross, and an expected 500km range from its 60kWh battery. The production version will compete with the likes of Jeep Avenger and Kia EV3.
It is one of five EVs that Suzuki will launch in Europe by 2030. One of those is an electric version of its popular Jimny compact SUV.
