Osamu Suzuki, Former Suzuki Chairman Who Transformed Automaker and Pioneered India's Auto Industry, Dies at 94

Dec 27, 2024, 09:10 AM

Osamu Suzuki, former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation who transformed the company into a global automotive powerhouse, passed away on December 25 at the age of 94 due to malignant lymphoma. Joining Suzuki in 1958, he became president in 1978 and led the company for over four decades. Under his leadership, Suzuki popularized kei cars such as the Alto and Wagon R in Japan and spearheaded the development of the Maruti 800, significantly impacting India's automotive industry. He was instrumental in expanding into international markets, notably India, turning it into a flourishing auto market. Suzuki was known for his frankness and humor, famously opposing a proposed kei car tax increase in 2013 as "bullying of the weak." In 2016, he stepped down as CEO, passing the role to his son, Toshihiro Suzuki. Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, expressed his condolences, referring to Osamu Suzuki as "a parent I admired" and stating he would continue working to one day hear him say "thank you."