Osamu Suzuki, Visionary Leader of Suzuki Motor, Dies at 94
Suzuki transformed the Japanese automaker into a global powerhouse, leaving a lasting legacy in India and beyond.
- Osamu Suzuki, who served as Suzuki Motor's CEO, chairman, and president for over four decades, passed away on December 25, 2024, at age 94 from malignant lymphoma.
- Under his leadership, Suzuki Motor expanded globally, with notable success in India, where Maruti Suzuki became the country's top carmaker, holding 40% of the market share.
- Suzuki's tenure saw the company grow from a small minicar manufacturer to a global player, with sales increasing tenfold to over $19 billion by the 2000s.
- Known for his frugality and hands-on management style, Suzuki prioritized cost-effective production and focused on compact and affordable vehicles for emerging markets.
- He retired in 2021 at the age of 91, leaving a legacy of innovation, global partnerships, and an enduring influence on the automotive industry.