The Suzuki Jimny stands as proof of its resounding success, with nearly three million units produced

Over the course of last year we witnessed how numerous brands not only committed to launching new models, but also to renewing some that had a long history behind them. If we had to highlight one from this latter group, it is without a doubt the Suzuki Jimny. The fourth generation of the Japanese off-roader arrived with more personality and strength than ever, two traits attributed to its retro styling and its capability off the tarmac. The combination of these two characteristics caused a great frenzy, not only leading Suzuki to be overwhelmed by high demand, but also to find itself about to build its three millionth unit.

It was in 1970 that the forerunner of today’s Jimny made its appearance within the Suzuki family, an event that would eventually lead to a resounding success. This first step by the Japanese brand was known as the LJ10 and was sold only in the Japanese market, but five years later Suzuki decided to give its small off-roader a chance to conquer the entire world.

A long and fascinating legacy

In 1975 the LJ50 was born, whose expansion began in Australia with a more powerful engine of 550 cc and water cooling. At the same time it was the first Suzuki model to be manufactured outside Japan, since the Pakistan plant was also the one in charge of giving shape to the second installment of one of the world’s most acclaimed off-roaders.

In 1978 the Jimny arrived in Europe, a moment when the LJ designation culminated with the LJ80 and gave way to different suffixes. In 1981 Suzuki ended production of the first generation of its off-roader, which closed with a total of 243,000 units to its name, a figure that already foreshadowed the good run this model would have in the automotive sector.

The SJ410 arrived as the second generation of the Japanese 4×4, and it was with it that the brand marketed a vehicle in the United States for the first time under the name Suzuki. In 1984 the SJ413 was launched to the global market, a version that generated considerable success, reflected in the fact that 7,000 of the 10,000 units built each month in Japan were exported.

In 1985 the first Jimny was built in Spain, more specifically at the factory located in Linares. Between 1985 and 2003 a total of 215,803 vehicles left that plant, a figure that would help the Japanese off-roader reach one million units just two years later.

In 1998 Suzuki ended production of the second generation of its quintessential off-roader, whose cumulative sales reached 1,693,000 units. The third installment of the Jimny reached the market with its characteristic off-road capability, but other aspects such as comfort, stability on the road and maneuverability were emphasized.

The arrival of a milestone

In 2001 the Japanese brand announced that its 4×4 had already reached two million units produced, a figure that reaffirms its undeniable success. In 2017 the third generation of the Jimny came to an end, giving way a year later to the fourth, which has once again captivated and enchanted us thanks to a package overflowing with personality.

It was with the end of the third generation of the Jimny that Suzuki raised the tally to 2,854,000 vehicles built, of which 918,000 units correspond to that generation. With the latest Jimny operating in up to 194 countries, it is about to mark a before and after by being the one tasked with bringing its total production to three million units, a figure few vehicles can boast of today.