Suzuki Escudo

The Suzuki Escudo is a compact SUV produced by Suzuki since 1988. It was also known as Sidekick in the United States from 1988 to 1998, Vitara in the United States, Western Europe, Bolivia, Ecuador, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Taiwan since 1999, and Grand Vitara in the United Kingdom, Eastern Europe, India, the Caribbean, South Africa, Iran, Chile, Canada, and Australia. The North American version was produced as a joint venture between Suzuki and General Motors known as CAMI. The vehicle was a follow-up to the popular SJ413 and Samurai. The construction was based on the Lada Niva. Also, this vehicle, while sold in North America, was designed to slot above the Samurai. A larger mid-size version is also made, known as the Suzuki Grand Escudo (known as Grand Vitara XL-7 in other markets). The name is derived from the "escudo", the monetary unit of Portugal until the Euro was adopted.