Suzuki Philippines Inc. recently launched its 2005 Suzuki Endurance Run at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Open Grounds. Following a highly successful tour in 2004, this year’s nationwide run is a non-stop, 50-day course that kicked off in Manila and covers Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao showcasing Suzuki’s latest line-up of 4-stroke under bone solo bikes, ranging from 110 to 150 cc engines.

The Endurance Run is designed not only to demonstrate the durability, overall excellent performance and fuel efficiency of Suzuki products, but also aims to promote motorcycling as an alternative lifestyle. The run advocates the primacy of safe and responsible riding habits, and aims to create the much-needed consciousness among drivers of bigger vehicles to accord motorcyclists equal importance in the overall observance of road safety and courtesy.

Adding excitement to this year’s run is the first-ever Suzuki Challenge Drag Race – a special speed challenge gathering contenders from different provinces to register and compete using their personally-owned Suzuki bikes in local elimination rounds. Winners from all around the country will then converge in Manila and vie in the Battle of the Champions. Aside from providing the highest level of testimony to the racing prowess of Suzuki, the new breed of drag redefines commonly abused misconceptions about the passion sport, with entirely new standards on safety and responsibility.

The 2005 Endurance Run ceremonial kick off included the presentation of this year’s 20-member riding contingent amidst a dazzling fireworks display followed by stunt exhibition to the music of Third Avenue who performed to the delight of over 300 motorcyclists from different bike clubs. Succeeding a host of special production numbers was the introduction of Suzuki’s latest line up of models to be used in the run: solo models Smash 110, Shogun R 125, Shogun Pro 125 and Raider 150 and the business model Mola 150.

In his inspirational message, Suzuki Marketing Manager (for Motorcycles) Benedict Arreola urged the Endurance Run riders to go the distance as they travel across the country, educating enthusiasts on safety consciousness and responsible riding. This was followed by a community meal and prayer for the contingent and finished off with the ceremonial send-off torch lighted by Suzuki Philippines President Kiyoshi Kawahara before the riders set off on a grand motorcade.

The contingent then heads from Manila to Bulacan and on to Cabanatuan to begin the first leg of the run. It moves on to Visayas and Mindanao and returns to Manila for the Suzuki Challenge Battle of the Champions and Grand Victory Party in July.

The 2005 Suzuki Endurance Run is also being sponsored by Castrol, Super Ferry, Mayya Cycle Center and Outlast Batteries.

For more information:
Paula Popple Celine Flores
Suzuki Philippines Lexington International
(02) 671-9722 521-7108 / 5256036