From a press release issued by American Suzuki Motor Corp.:

Suzuki Garners Awards of Excellence from KIOSK Magazine

BREA, Calif. (July 20, 2004) – American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) is proud to announce that ASMC’s innovative Suzuki Sales P.R.O. (Professional Retail Outlet) was awarded two prestigious awards by KIOSK Magazine during its 5th Annual Kiosk Awards in June 2004. Not only was the Suzuki Sales P.R.O. named “Kiosk of the Year,” but it also earned the accolade of “Most Innovative Product” on behalf of ASMC’s partner EON Reality, Inc., which produces the Suzuki Sales P.R.O. 3-D modeling.

“We are so excited to be recognized by the kiosk community yet again,” said ASMC’s Dealer Network Manager Steve Bortolamedi. “Winning these two awards continues to emphasize how impressive the Suzuki Sales P.R.O. really is. One of the key factors for Suzuki winning the awards is return on investment. The cost vs. potential sales increases to the dealer really puts the Suzuki Sales P.R.O. on top and it’s great to see the kiosk community acknowledge that.”

The Suzuki Sales P.R.O. beat out more than 100 other competitors in winning these two awards from KIOSK Magazine. According to the magazine’s website, the awards were originally “established to seek out self-service kiosk projects and products that are setting standards of kiosk excellence and challenging existing technology.”

“Winning these two KIOSK Magazine awards confirms the fact that Suzuki is indeed challenging existing technology in today’s market,” said ASMC’s Marketing Manager Rod Lopusnak. “We know we’re on the right track to improving product knowledge, increasing profitability and enhancing the selling process at the dealer level. It also reaffirms Suzuki as an industry leader.”

Suzuki Sales P.R.O. debuted at the February 2002 Indianapolis Dealer Expo and then was successfully launched to ASMC’s motorcycle and ATV dealers at the 2003 Suzuki dealer meeting. The Suzuki Sales P.R.O. concept was developed in house by Bortolamedi, Lopusnak and ASMC Motorcycle/ATV Division Vice President Mel Harris. The software is produced by EON Reality, Inc. and Matrix Consultants.

“We at Suzuki aren’t surprised at all that Suzuki Sales P.R.O. is winning so many awards. It is unlike any other retail-oriented technology currently used in the motorcycle and ATV industry and is used by 60 percent of our dealers,” said Harris. “Congratulations to everyone who worked so diligently on this project.”

About American Suzuki
The Motorcycle/ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1963 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. ASMC’s parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 191 countries.