Press Releases

SUZUKI AUTO RIDES ULTIMATE WAVE

onto IMAX® and other giant SCREENs

• Youthful, action-oriented brands Suzuki and Quiksilver co-sponsor 3D film project for IMAX® and other giant screen theaters

• Ultimate Wave surf documentary to feature eight-time world champion Kelly Slater

• Suzuki cars and SUVs to co-star in upcoming film

BREA, Calif. (May 28, 2008) – Building upon its exuberant, unencumbered “Way of Life” brand appeal, Suzuki today announced its sponsorship of the thrilling 3D film Ultimate Wave, produced by the Stephen Low Company for IMAX® and other giant screen theaters. Presented in association with havoc and K2 Communications, and co-sponsored by Quiksilver, the documentary examines the science of wave formation and how wave forecasting technology benefits surfers and others who seek to share in the breathtaking power and grace of the planet’s oceans. Ultimate Wave is scheduled for release in the fall of 2009 and will feature eight-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater along with a host of Suzuki’s adrenaline-fueled and efficient machines, ranging from cars and SUVs to motorcycles, ATVs and outboard marine engines.

“The Suzuki ‘Way of Life’ is all about confidently exploring the outside world and discovering one’s ability to live life to the fullest, and few activities personify this brand attitude better than surfing,” said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing for American Suzuki Automotive Operations.  “We think this film provides an authentic expression of the outlook and excitement that our customers embody and embrace.”

For the last several years, Suzuki has developed partnerships and relationships with some of the most recognized and influential organizations in the surfing industry. Since 2005, Suzuki has been the presenting sponsor of the Surfer Poll & Video Awards and has more recently partnered with the Surfrider Foundation and the U.S.A. Surf Team.

Suzuki will implement a number of Web-based efforts and other marketing initiatives to support the future release of Ultimate Wave. One element already underway is a viral, cross-platform marketing campaign that broke May 1, which included the launch of one in a series of 24 vignettes featuring commentary from some of the top names in surfing and behind the scenes footage. These videos lay the foundation for the upcoming documentary, while showcasing the capabilities and uncomplicated versatility of Suzuki’s discovery-ready Grand Vitara. The video can be viewed at www.suzukiauto.com in addition to several partner Web sites, including havocTV.com/UltimateWave, Quiksilver.com and Surfline.com.

Ultimate Wave

A wave can carry or sink a ship, sweep a surfer to victory or to crushing defeat, generate electricity for millions or devastate a coastal city. From astounding 3D surfing action to the chaos of ocean storms, Ultimate Wave will take audiences on a global quest to understand and experience one of the planet’s most intriguing and dramatic phenomena.

About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1985 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 500 automotive dealerships in 49 states.  Based in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer with sales of more than two million new automobiles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 192 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com.

About Quiksilver

Quiksilver, trailblazing guide to boardriding* culture, is committed to providing tools for uncovering, expressing and expanding your personal style. Our mission is to foster the sense of individual expression and excitement - the stoke that is the essence of boardriding. We’re also here to spread the word because the only thing better than finding stoke is sharing it.

* Boardriding is about timing and style. It’s youthful, active, casual, and free flowing. There is no wrong way to ride a board. The goal is simply to learn, progress, improve, and give it your own interpretation.

About havoc
havoc Television is the world's leading indie music and action sports digital network with distribution in 52 million TV homes on both cable and satellite TV, a social networking website, mobile phones and out of home content distribution. Showcasing the best in punk, metal, underground hip hop, alternative, reggae, electronic, surf, skate, snow, bmx and motocross content, havoc averages over 35 million video views a month fueled by 3.5 million monthly unique visitors. On cable TV, havoc sports is the #1 sports related VOD channel and the #2 music related VOD channel in America and as a whole beats out 96% of all other cable TV VOD outlets. In addition, havoc boasts 5 hours of daily programming on DirecTV's channel with one of television’s most interactive shows called havoc on the 101. Fully SMS enabled, viewers are empowered to vote and chat on screen real time while their favorite videos are being aired. For more information please check out www.havoctv.com.

About Stephen Low Films
Director Stephen Low, one of the most creative and experienced filmmakers in the giant screen industry, has directed some of the most popular and critically acclaimed large format documentaries ever made.  For over twenty-five years, Low has pushed the limits of IMAX® film technology with his imaginative and powerful films. Best known for his ability to take complex subject matter and make it into an interesting story, he has won more than 50 global awards.  In 2004, Stephen won the Kodak Vision Award given to the top IMAX®-format filmmaker by the Giant Screen Cinema Association, and has also won the prestigious Grierson award for achievement in documentary film. In all, Low has 13 large format films to his credit, three in 3D, with a fourth to be released later this year.  His 3D classic, Across the Sea of Time, which he produced for Sony Classics, still plays in New York after twelve years.  Some of his most notable films include  Beavers (IMAX®  Hall of Fame film, and winner in 2006 of an IMAX® exhibitor’s  vote for “Best Film Ever” Award), Titantica, Super Speedway, Volcanoes of the Deep Sea, and most recently Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag (winner of the industry’s best film award in 2005). Several of his films have been in distribution for 20 years, most over 10 years. Currently in production are two more 3D IMAX® films, Legends of the Sky, due for release in late 2008, and Ultimate Wave.  For more information, go to www.StephenLow.com.

About K2 Communications
K2 Communications has extensive Giant Screen film experience, including Everest (Executive Producer), Adventures in Wild California (Executive Producer), Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag and Sun 3D.  Currently in production are two Giant Screen 3D films directed by Stephen Low:  Legends of the Sky (Spring 2009), a Giant Screen 3D film in association with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, and Ultimate Wave 3D (Fall 2009), produced in association with Suzuki Automotive and Quiksilver.  Recognized as leaders in the Giant Screen industry, K2 brings a wealth of success and experience in all aspects of production oversight, global distribution and marketing.  Beyond theatrical distribution, K2 was first to recognize and capitalize on the television aftermarket, acquiring a library of 60 films independently produced for IMAX® and other Giant Screen theaters, which they converted to high quality HD format.  Their library of films is now playing in 37 countries worldwide and has been licensed to other media including Internet sites, airlines, cruise ships and hotel rooms.  To solidify its leadership role in the industry, K2 Communications also operates the only comprehensive Giant Screen consumer/fan Web site, BigMovieZone.com.  For more information, consult www.k2communications.com

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Media Contacts

Jeff Holland, American Suzuki – (562) 640-1758, jeff.holland@suz.com

Andrew Nicolai, PainePR for American Suzuki – (949) 809-6786, anicolai@painepr.com