Osamu Suzuki, the former CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation for over four decades, passed away on December 25, 2024, at the age of 94.

Born Osamu Matsuda, he took the surname Suzuki after marrying Shoko Suzuki, the granddaughter of Michio Suzuki, the founder of Suzuki Motor Corporation. Michio had no male heirs to continue the family business. With visionary leadership, a sharp strategic mind, and a deep understanding of market needs, Osamu transformed Suzuki Motor Corporation into a global powerhouse, driving innovation, efficiency, and success in the automotive industry.

Osamu Suzuki’s contributions transformed not only his company but also left a lasting impact on the automotive industry worldwide. Today, we remember him as the Japanese businessman who revolutionised the industry by creating innovative, affordable cars and expanding into emerging markets like India. Like Ratan Tata, Osamu stands out as an iconic leader in the automotive market, becoming synonymous with affordable, reliable transportation for Indian families through the Maruti Suzuki 800 – fulfilling dreams of owning a family-size personal vehicle . 

A foresighted and problem-solving leader...

Osamu Suzuki’s remarkable ability to seize opportunities and act decisively is a defining aspect of his leadership. His swift response to a Maruti advertisement during a flight in 1981 exemplifies his "never waste a single minute" mindset, which played a crucial role in shaping Maruti Suzuki India into the automotive giant it is today. He not only saw the opportunities but also the challenges of the Indian automotive market. And with that vision, Maruti Suzuki India commands nearly 40 per cent of the market even today—a testament to his strategic foresight and commitment to continuous improvement.

Interestingly, Osamu Suzuki’s entry into the Indian market was not solely through Maruti. In 1982, he joined hands with TVS to manufacture two-wheelers under TVS Suzuki Ltd. The partnership led to the launch of the Suzuki AX100, a reliable motorcycle featuring a 98cc air-cooled, 2-stroke engine with a simple carburetor. This model was well-received, marking an important chapter in Suzuki’s Indian journey.

However, differences in management philosophy eventually led to the breakup of the TVS-Suzuki partnership in 2001, and rebranding as TVS Motor. Despite this split, Osamu Suzuki’s legacy in India remains deeply tied to his relentless pursuit of market dominance and innovation, particularly through Maruti Suzuki India, which continues to lead the Indian automotive industry.

The Kaizen leader...

Osamu was a true 'Kaizen' leader, living as a highly focused individual who maximised his productivity and avoided wasting time. His management style emphasised frugality—not just in financial matters, but also in the use of time and resources. His time-conscious approach aligned with his philosophy of continuous improvement, known as ‘Kaizen,’ a cornerstone of Japanese business culture. He believed in getting things done effectively and efficiently, a mindset that likely contributed to his success in turning Suzuki Motor Corporation into a global automotive leader.

Moreover, Osamu's leadership reflected a sense of urgency and precision, qualities that enabled Suzuki Motor Corp;s global outreach while staying true to its core values. His disciplined approach was widely admired and is often cited as one of the key factors behind his enduring success. Osamu’s 'Kaizen' leadership has left a lasting legacy in the automotive world.

Globally acclaimed leader...

Osamu Suzuki’s leadership was admired not only in Japan and India but across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. He also built strong partnerships with global automotive giants like General Motors and Toyota, while parallelly venturing into European and North American markets. 

His focus on cost-effective engineering and production for developing nations helped Suzuki create affordable, high-quality vehicles, meeting the needs of markets where affordability was key. Known for his disciplined and frugal management style, Osamu prioritised simplicity, efficiency, and continuous improvement. This approach kept Suzuki resilient during tough economic times and intense competition. His ability to adapt to emerging market trends and innovation led the Suzuki group’s global leadership.  

In 2007, Osamu received the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India, a recognition of his contributions to strengthening the bond between Japan and India.  

Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Osamu Suzuki, a legendary figure in the global automotive industry. His visionary work reshaped global perceptions of mobility. Under his leadership, Suzuki Motor Corporation became a global powerhouse, successfully navigating challenges,… pic.twitter.com/MjXmYaEOYA

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 27, 2024

Osamu Suzuki’s visionary leadership transformed the automotive world, making personal transportation accessible in emerging markets, improving the lives of millions, and reshaping the industry.

Osamu Suzuki will always be remembered for his contributions to society and his remarkable achievements driven by resilient, visionary and ethical leadership.