Suzuki Motor Corp., Japan's top minivehicle maker three decades running, is preparing an assault on the global market with a new line of compact cars, according to company President Hiroshi Tsuda.

The automaker will initially target Europe, where drivers are more discerning about car styling and driving performance, according to Tsuda, who assumed the presidency April 1.

"If our products are a hit in Europe," he said, "those models will be accepted in Japan and other Asian countries, including China, India and Indonesia."