Suzuki Motor Corporation’s former chairman, Osamu Suzuki, who had played a significant role in turning India into a major automobile market, died of lymphoma on December 25, the company announced. He was 94.
While running the Japanese automobile giant for several decades, he played a major role in expanding it globally.
Born on January 30, 1930 as Osamu Matsuda, Suzuki, who also worked as a banker in his career, joined the automaker in 1958 after marrying the founding family.
He took the surname of his wife Shoko Suzuki and in his lifetime made Suzuki a global household brand.
Adopting a wife’s surname is a common practice in Japan when families lack male heirs.
In India, Suzuki stitched a joint venture with the Indian government that led to the formation of Maruti Udyog.
The partnership led to the birth of the iconic Maruti 800, the small car that became popular in the Indian automobile market over the years and ensured the company’s dominance in the South Asian country.
Maruti Suzuki, the majority still held by Suzuki Motor, dominates nearly 40 percent of India’s car market.
Osamu Suzuki passed the presidency of the company to his son Toshihiro Suzuki in June 2015.
According to an official statement, “To abide by the wishes of the deceased, the funeral services have been held for close family only, and would like to respectfully decline from any condolence visits, monetary offerings, floral tributes, or condolence telegrams.”
Suzuki was accorded India’s third-highest civilian award Padma Bhushan in 2007.
Mourning his death, Maruti Suzuki said in a statement: “Mr. O. Suzuki was a visionary leader whose remarkable contributions shaped the global automobile industry.”
Speaking on his contribution to developing Maruti Udyog, the company said: “In India, his foresight and leadership were instrumental in the formation of Maruti Udyog Limited in 1981.”
“With his vision Mr. O. Suzuki played the pivotal role in realizing the dream of putting India on wheels by empowering millions of Indian families with affordable, reliable, efficient and good quality vehicles,” the automaker said.
Indian PM Narendra Modi calls Suzuki a legendary figure
Condoling Suzuki’s demise, PM Modi wrote on X: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Osamu Suzuki, a legendary figure in the global automotive industry.”
“His visionary work reshaped global perceptions of mobility. Under his leadership, Suzuki Motor Corporation became a global powerhouse, successfully navigating challenges, driving innovation and expansion,” he said.
“He had a profound affection for India and his collaboration with Maruti revolutionised the Indian automobile market,” he said.
India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, said, “Sad to learn of the passing away of Mr. Osamu Suzuki.
“His leadership and endeavors not only revolutionized the auto-making in India but also helped transform India-Japan relations. “Fondly recall my meetings with him over the years. Condolences to his family and colleagues at Suzuki Motor Corporation,” the lawmaker added.
