eNewsAutoCar.com

MARION, Ill. - April 1, 2009 - /eNewsAutoCar/ - To further bolster training efforts for future automotive technicians, American Suzuki Motor Corp., in collaboration with local dealer Foley-Sweitzer Suzuki, will donate 10 vehicles to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s (SIUC) nationally recognized Department of Automotive Technology. A donation ceremony will be held at Foley-Sweitzer Suzuki in Marion on Thursday, April 2, at 1:00 p.m. 

“As a graduate of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale advanced technical studies-automotive technology management program, I know firsthand that manufacturer support is vital in keeping SIUC’s automotive technology program among the nation’s elite,” said Lee Raines, regional services and parts manager, Southern Region, American Suzuki. “Suzuki’s generous contribution to the university will support the technical expertise and growth of future professionals, by enhancing an environment of cooperation, advanced development and business acumen that provides career direction and training to so many.”

Raines, along with Foley-Sweitzer Suzuki Dealer Principal John Sweitzer will participate with SIUC Department Chair Jack S. Greer in a ceremonial key exchange for the 10 Suzuki Verona sedans – the single-largest donation of vehicles the program has ever received. The vehicles will allow students to hone their diagnostic skills by analyzing the vehicle’s operating systems – an integral part of preparing to comprehensively master the nuances of automotive technology.

“American Suzuki’s generosity extends the opportunities available to students enrolled in our outstanding automotive technology program, and SIUC is grateful for this wonderful display of support,” said Rickey N. McCurry, vice chancellor for institutional advancement and chief executive officer of the SIU Foundation. “Our program is nationally respected in large part due to the hands-on experience it offers students, and because of the current economic conditions, this donation is even more important in helping us maintain the elite-level status for which we are known.”

About Southern Illinois University Carbondale

There currently are more than 200 students enrolled in SIUC automotive technology program. Facilities on SIUC’s campus in Carterville have housed the program’s technical courses since its inception in 1952. In addition to its program at SUIC, since fall 2007, Chicago-area students can obtain a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology through off-campus programs at Harry S. Truman College. Students complete an associate of applied science degree from Kennedy-King College or Truman College, and then transfer into SIUC’s automotive technology program, where SIUC faculty teach upper-level automotive technical and automotive management courses at Truman College. In 2005, the automotive technology program earned the Automotive Industry Planning Council’s Award of Excellence — its third time as the nation’s top program. The program also earned top honors in 1991 and 1999; national winners cannot compete again for the award for five years.

About Foley-Sweitzer Suzuki

Foley-Sweitzer Suzuki is located at 2604 W. Deyoung St. in Marion, Ill. For more information, call (618) 997-1313 or go to www.foley-sweitzer.com.

About Suzuki
The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 400 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2008, SMC sold more than two million new cars and trucks and more than three million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 193 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com.

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Media Contacts

Jeff Holland, American Suzuki – (714) 996-7040 ext 2464, jeff.holland@suz.com

Peter Rosenbery, Southern Illinois University Carbondale – (618) 453-1439, prosen@siu.edu