Starting out life producing looms in 1909, Suzuki turned its attention to automobiles in 1937. Though some prototypes were built, World War II interrupted auto production. After the war Suzuki began building motorcycles and in 1955 Suzuki finally produced its first production passenger car - the Suzulight. The Suzulight was Japan's first lightweight car included features like front wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering - features that wouldn't become common for decades.