One-millionth Vitara rolls off production line

The manufacturing launch of the Vitara in 2015 marked a significant turning point in the history of Magyar Suzuki in many respects, as it became the most popular passenger car in Hungary. This was the first model in the company’s history whose prototype was developed with the involvement of Hungarian engineers. Today, the one-millionth Vitara has rolled off the production line — a marble blue, GLX and sunroof equipped version, which will soon reach its new owner in Germany.

Magyar Suzuki continues to celebrate remarkable milestones, but this is no coincidence, since with its 35 years of history the car manufacturer is one of the most stable players in the Hungarian economy. Last year, the four-millionth Suzuki produced in Esztergom was completed, followed by the 500,000th hybrid vehicle in January 2025. Magyar Suzuki has exclusively been producing hybrid models since late 2019, now only supplying such models for the European markets. And today, the one-millionth Vitara — a marble blue, GLX and sunroof equipped version — is ready, and should reach its new owner in Germany.

Significant role for Hungarian engineers

The mass production of the Vitara began in the spring of 2015 in Esztergom, home to the Suzuki Group’s third-largest and only European factory. This model was groundbreaking for Suzuki in multiple ways. It was the fourth generation of the Vitara to be produced, but the first whose prototype development heavily involved Hungarian engineers. Previously, before mass production and the market roll-out, Japanese engineers were physically present, guiding the assembly process of new models. However, in the case of the Vitara, Hungarian engineers were given significant independence, even in key areas such as welding and painting, as well as with installing robotic systems. This milestone reflects Magyar Suzuki’s decades-long journey, during which the company has accumulated high-level expertise primarily in engineering, logistics and IT. Today, Magyar Suzuki provides several group-level services across Europe.
In Hungary, the model regularly competes with the Esztergom-produced S-CROSS for the title of best-selling new passenger car.

What journey has the Vitara taken since its debut in 1988?

1988 The first-generation Vitara is introduced
1998 The model is revamped, debuting in a larger size, with a more powerful engine, enhanced features, and the “Grand” label to attract customers
2005 The third generation is introduced
2015 The fourth generation Vitara debuts, entering mass production in Esztergom in the spring

2017 The Vitara dominates the SUV category and the overall passenger car market in Hungary
2018 The model receives another upgrade, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a more refined design and even more advanced safety features
2019 The 500,000th Vitara is produced in Esztergom
2019 Since the end of 2019, all Vitaras produced in Esztergom for the European market have been equipped with hybrid powertrains
2024 The Vitara is updated with new safety features, upgraded equipment, and the addition of Suzuki Connect

Awards so far:

Hungarian Quality Product Award (2015), Excellence in Innovation Award (2015), “Hungarian Car of the Year” – 2nd place awarded by the professional jury (2020), professional and public prize (2021)