Osamu Suzuki, Former Chairman Of Suzuki Motor Corp Dies At 95

The former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corp, Osamu Suzuki passed away at the age of 95 on December 25, 2024. Suzuki was suffering from a malignant lymphoma towards the end of his life and his eldest son Toshihiro Suzuki has announced the tragic news while also mentioning that the family held a private funeral.

Osamu Suzuki led his Suzuki Motor Corp for over 40 years and he retired in 2021 at the age of 91.

Suzuki took the risk of partnering with the then Indian government to form a joint venture -- Maruti Udyog Ltd in 1981, at a time when India was still a closed economy under a license regime, is widely regarded as the man who spurred the automotive industry in the country.

Maruti Udyog Ltd later on became Maruti Suzuki India Ltd subsequent to the government completing its exit in 2007 with Suzuki Motor Corporation holding a majority stake. Osamu Suzuki was the Director and Honorary Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.

Announcing the death of his father, Toshihiro Suzuki said, that the funeral was held according to Osamu Suzuki's wishes he wrote in a statement, “The funeral was held privately with close family members until the ashes were interred. We respectfully decline condolence ceremonies, perfumes, flowers, condolence telegrams, etc.”

Osamu Suzuki's Journey At Suzuki Motor Corp

• 1958: Osamu Suzuki joined Suzuki Motor.

• 1978: Became president of Suzuki Motor.

• 2000: Assumed the role of chairman of Suzuki Motor.

• 2015: In June, Suzuki handed over the presidency to his son but continued as chairman and CEO for a year.

• 2016: Stepped down as CEO after a fuel-economy misstatement.

• 1983: Spearheaded Suzuki's decision to enter the Indian market, which later led to the formation of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.

• Post-2016: Continued as chairman, solidifying Suzuki's position as the leading maker of compact cars and making Maruti Suzuki India's top carmaker.

• 2021: Announced his retirement at the age of 91 after leading the company for over 40 years.

Reactions

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) Chairman, R C Bhargava on the passing of Suzuki said, "Without his vision and foresight, his willingness to take a risk that no one else was willing to take, his deep and abiding love for India, and his immense capabilities as a teacher, I believe the Indian automobile industry could not have become the powerhouse that it has become."

Noting Suzuki's contribution to India, he said, "Millions of us in this country are living better lives because of Osamu San."

He further said, "Osamu San's contribution to the Indian economy, and for building bridges between India and Japan was acknowledged by the conferment of the Padma Bhushan on him."

In a separate statement, MSIL said, "O Suzuki was a visionary leader whose remarkable contributions shaped the global automobile industry."

In India, the company said, "His foresight and leadership were instrumental in the formation of Maruti Udyog Ltd in 1981. With his vision, O Suzuki played the pivotal role in realising the dream of putting India on wheels by empowering millions of Indian families with affordable, reliable, efficient and good quality vehicles."