Suzuki UK has declared an end to the era of combustion engines, signaling a comprehensive shift towards hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in its lineup. The Japanese automaker will cease importing new combustion engine models for the UK market, focusing instead on hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and eventually pure electric vehicles.
Affected by this decision are popular models including the Swace, Swift Sport, Ignis, and Jimny, all of which will gradually phase out as existing stock is sold. By 2025, Suzuki aims to fully electrify its entire range in the UK, contingent on the speed of clearing out remaining combustion engine inventory.
Post-transition, Suzuki UK plans to continue offering full hybrid versions of its Swift, Vitara, and S-Cross models, along with the Across PHEV. The company also anticipates introducing its first all-electric model by 2025, building on the preview provided by the eVX concept car in 2023. Approximately half of Suzuki’s development resources are earmarked for electric vehicle projects by 2030, underscoring its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.
Dale Wyatt, Director of Suzuki UK & Ireland, highlighted the strategic rationale behind the move, stating, “The departure of these models will make room for EV and enable us to compete during a period where our sales ratio of hybrid versus EV products will drive our business. We’re exiting the ICE era with a focus on SUVs and the new Swift, then starting in the second half of 2025 we’ll begin a period of EV growth.”
