Osamu Suzuki, former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corp, passes away at 94

Osamu Suzuki, former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, passed away on December 25, 2024, at the age of 94 due to lymphoma. Renowned for his visionary leadership, Suzuki was instrumental in shaping the company into a global automotive powerhouse, particularly through its dominance in the Indian market.

Born Osamu Matsuda, he adopted the Suzuki family name after marrying into the family, as per Japanese custom. A former bank employee, he joined Suzuki in 1958 and steadily rose through the ranks to become president in 1978. His tenure saw the launch of groundbreaking vehicles like the Alto minicar in Japan in 1979, reviving the domestic minicar segment.

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Suzuki’s strategic foresight led to international collaborations with General Motors and Volkswagen, expanding the brand’s footprint in North America and Europe. However, his most notable achievement was Suzuki’s entry into the Indian market, which now contributes the largest share of the company’s global sales.

Under his leadership, Suzuki Motor Corporation became synonymous with affordable, reliable small cars, securing a significant share of emerging markets. Osamu Suzuki retired in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and global success.