According to a report in Japan's daily business newspaper, Nikkei, Suzuki has 'shelved plans' to introduce the production version of the Kizashi concept vehicle series. Suzuki's planned midsize sedan, blueprints of which had been leaked into the internet last September, was supposed to debut in 2009 with sales starting in early 2010. Not surprisingly, the article in Nikkei supports that the reason why Suzuki has (allegedly) postponed the presentation of its Mazda6 and Honda Accord rival, is the sharp deterioration in global auto sales.
The Nikkei report also said that Suzuki will push back plans to open new plants in Russia and Thailand in 2010.
Even though we have no reason to doubt Nikkei's report, we would like to hear an official announcement from Suzuki before we make any conclusions, especially in what concerns the future of the Kizashi.
Source: Nikkei (Sub. Req)