Suzuki will continue to rely on its engineering for compact SUVs, which are the foundation of its brand identity,

yeah but that doesn't mean here in north america. companies are in bussiness to make money, they don't have a smalll group of enthusiasts in mind when they sell there vehicles. hell suzuki has the jimny else were in the world but not north america why ? i believe it's the stigma that the samurai has attached to it in most cunsumers minds here. i wish they would introduce something neat here, but i'm not holding my breath. i've also read that jeep is going to introduce a new deisel engine for there jeeps in 2005. so if suzuki wants to capitalize on the gas crunch going on they better do so quick.

The Jimny was not released here because of the Samurai bullshit INDEED!!!!

I can't speak for the rest of North America...but in and around the Greater Toronto Area (population of about 5 million, Toronto, York, Durham and Peel regions) I see Suzuki 4x4s EVERYWHERE!  XL-7 is selling extremely well.  Gran Vitara/Vitara are all over the place.  And for some odd reason, I've been seeing plenty of 2 doors too, probably because they are a really good deal right as dealers are trying to sell off the old stock.  If Suzuki Canada posted stats, I'm sure they'd being doing really well.

Screw diesel, it's almost as expensive as regular gas, so that means nothing to me.

They don't have to cater to small group of enthusiasts, because the other motor companies aren't either, but their all out putting out SUVs by the truck load.  Most of them catering to the wealthy on top of that.

What do you mean "gradually" dropping the 4x4's?  They've only ever had one 4x4 at a time.  They only dropped the 2-door...which sucks big time...but maybe they're going to replace with something else.

They sold Samurai's and Sidekicks at the same time (for about 6 years actually).  They were also still producing Sidekicks when the first vitara came out.  With the dropping of the 2 door though, it seems like they are gearing more towards soccer moms  :-/  I have no problem with 4 doors.  I own a 4 door Sidekick Sport and a 4 door tracker, but they are not as good for wheeling as a 3 door.

They sold Samurai's and Sidekicks at the same time (for about 6 years actually).  They were also still producing Sidekicks when the first vitara came out.  With the dropping of the 2 door though, it seems like they are gearing more towards soccer moms  :-/  I have no problem with 4 doors.  I own a 4 door Sidekick Sport and a 4 door tracker, but they are not as good for wheeling as a 3 door.

Oh yeah you're right.  I forgot about hte Sidekick and Samurai being sold at the same time.  :-/