Fresh off a record-setting 2006, when American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) enjoyed automobile sales in excess of 100,000 vehicles for the first time in its 21-year history, Suzuki emerges at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) as one of the automotive industry's rising stars. Walking the red carpet at this year's show are two exceptional activity-oriented concepts, including the never-before-seen, silver-screen-inspired XL7 concept, Flix. ASMC also showcases its full-line of versatile cars and SUVs, including the all-new XL7 midsize crossover SUV and the bold and functional SX4 compact X-over (crossover).

To further support the launch of Suzuki's two new vehicles, ASMC developed a line of 2007 XL7- and SX4-based "Suzuki LIVE Series" concept vehicles. At NAIAS, Suzuki unveils its Flix, a movie-theater-themed XL7 concept, and showcases BaseCamp, an XL7 concept built for outdoor enthusiasts.

"We attribute much of our success in 2006 to ASMC's solid and versatile line of award-winning vehicles coupled with our renewed commitment to boost awareness of the Suzuki brand and all that it offers to consumers," said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing and PR, ASMC. "With the all-new XL7 and SX4 now in showrooms and a number of exciting marketing efforts planned for the coming year, including the lifestyle-based 'Suzuki LIVE Series' concept vehicles, ASMC is poised for a successful 2007."

"Suzuki LIVE Series" Vehicles

Last year, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) launched the "Suzuki LIVE Series" (LIFE VEHICLES) -- a line of brand-dedicated concept vehicles specially designed for life enthusiasts, adventurers and thrill-seekers. In concert with its "Way of Life" brand proposition, promising products for active lifestyles, and to support the launch of the all-new XL7 and SX4, ASMC introduces four all-new "Suzuki LIVE Series" vehicles for 2007.

The vehicles, coined Flix for film and entertainment buffs; BaseCamp for outdoor adventure enthusiasts; Zuk for motorcycle and racing aficionados; and SXBox for avid gamers; are on display at various auto shows and lifestyle events around the country.

Suzuki Flix

Built by Carlab of Orange, Calif., and based on the all-new 2007 XL7, the Flix concept offers film and entertainment enthusiasts the ultimate mobile movie experience. The Flix's ultra-rich, super-clean and modern exterior accentuates the redesigned body of the all-new XL7. The XL7 concept is dressed in midnight black paint with platinum accents and deep crimson "theater red" perimeter LED linear emitters encircling the lower valence of the midsize SUV.

In addition to its eye-catching exterior appearance, the Flix is outfitted with an unprecedented in-vehicle movie system. After parking at the optimal film-viewing destination, Flix's clamshell roof can be opened, revealing a maximum-size moonroof that serves as a 40-inch movie screen. Additionally, the XL7 concept's front roof panel vents, giving way to a high-density digital projection system to display a family's movie of choice. For those who prefer the traditional drive-in movie experience, Flix's projection system can be positioned to display movies nearly anywhere -- the side of a building, a billboard or almost any wall.

The interior look of the Flix resembles a contemporary private screening room, dressed in plush materials to evoke elegance and sophistication. The XL7 concept features four individual bucket seats that pivot 180 degrees to view the elevated giant screen. The Flix also is equipped with a next-generation, high-definition DVD player with integrated hard drive for maximum AV storage, a professional THX/SDS-theater quality sound system, pivoting quarter window speakers and red door/floor strip lighting to further enhance the in-vehicle movie experience.

Suzuki BaseCamp

Built by Carlab of Orange, Calif., and based on the all-new 2007 XL7, the BaseCamp concept offers cutting-edge design and technology to fulfill the needs of outdoor adventure enthusiasts. The BaseCamp's exterior is blanketed with liquid metal body paint and finished with titanium cladding around the perimeter, which also is easily converted to a catwalk for unprecedented upper vehicle access and storage.

The concept features a unique gullwing passenger side door that, when opened, reveals a warm, inviting, modern interior and attachable peninsula bar work station with full media connectivity, including Wi-Fi Internet access, Bluetooth integration and iPod(1)/MP3 capabilities. The BaseCamp also features a custom roof rack system with an integrated dual slot bike rack and Santa Cruz mountain bikes, eight high-intensity LED light clusters, including a unique "down" lighting system, an enclosed cargo/luggage area and forward-mounted miniature camera. After arriving at a campsite, a modern canopy with carbon fiber frame can be attached to the roof rack, keeping adventurers dry in inclement weather or protecting against the sun, and creating a welcoming ambiance for visitors.

The BaseCamp's interior reflects a similar high-tech design and feel with mica-hued light-toned seating and titanium accents throughout the inside of the vehicle. In the rear cargo area, the vehicle features a utility storage pack and access system. Additionally, the XL7 concept is equipped with in-dash CD/DVD and GPS/Navigation system with real-time traffic.