Osamu Suzuki, the former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, has passed away at the age of 94 after a prolonged illness caused by malignant lymphoma.
A visionary businessman, Suzuki was known for his bold decisions and willingness to take risks. One of his most significant moves came in 1981 when he partnered with Maruti to establish Maruti Suzuki in India. This gamble turned into a highly successful business venture, ultimately revolutionizing the Indian automotive market and cementing Suzuki’s place as a global automotive giant. However, with his passing, the legend’s incredible legacy comes to an end.
Suzuki died on December 25, 2024, following a battle with malignant lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting white blood cells. Hormazd Sorabjee, editor of Autocar, shared his thoughts on the loss, saying, “Osamu Suzuki, the man who took a punt on India, completely transformed India’s automotive landscape. His legacy of putting an entire subcontinent on wheels, starting with the humble 800, can never be forgotten.”
Known for his strategic vision and sharp business acumen, Suzuki led Suzuki Motor Corporation for decades, serving two terms as president—making him the longest-serving head of a global automaker. Under his leadership, Suzuki formed key partnerships with General Motors and Volkswagen, expanding the company’s reach in North America and Europe. However, his most daring move was entering the Indian market in the 1980s.
Legend has it that in 1981, while on a plane, Suzuki read a story in India Today about Maruti’s search for automotive partners. Inspired, he immediately instructed his team in Japan: “We need to be in this race.” This spontaneous decision marked a turning point for Suzuki Motor, giving it a significant edge in the global automotive industry. Today, Maruti Suzuki India holds a market cap of USD 46.9 billion, surpassing its Japanese parent company, which has a market cap of USD 22.1 billion.
