Suzuki Motor Corp. said Aug. 21 2008, it will resume automobile sales in Brazil after a five-year break.

In October, SVB Automotores do Brasil Ltda., Suzuki’s sales agent in Sao Paulo, will start selling sport-utility vehicles and other models imported from Japan.

Sales for the first year are projected at 7,000 units. Suzuki hopes to increase the number of its sales outlets in Brazil to 15 by the end of this year.

In Brazil, Suzuki sold Japanese-made automobiles via a subsidiary from early 2000 to the end of March 2003. The firm left the market due to a currency crisis that hit the South American country.

Brazil has since recovered economic health. Its auto market is growing steadily, with annual sales exceeding 2.46 million units in 2007.

Betting on further growth in the market, Suzuki decided to make a comeback, officials said, adding that Brazil is the only BRIC nation where Suzuki does not sell automobiles.

As for motorcycles, Suzuki has been selling its products in Brazil since 1991.