Suzuki 3-5-7

Japan's Suzuki Motors Corp. appears to have stolen a Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. playbook in its attempt to execute its 3-5-7 strategy in the U.S.: three times current sales in five years, by 2007.

Suzuki plans to reach 200,000 unit sales, from present-year objectives of 80,000, through the introduction of nine vehicles to its U.S. lineup.

The Verona midsize sedan and Forenza compact, due for '04, spring from GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. Ltd., the South Korean auto maker that has risen from the former Daewoo Motor Co. Ltd. and in which Suzuki holds a 15% stake.

Verona, a modified second-generation Daewoo Magnus, is among the first outgrowths of the 1-year-old GMDAT.

Verona goes on sale in September, starting at $16,499 for the S trim level, while Forenza, based on the Daewoo Lacetti, follows in November, ranging from $12,000-$15,000.