Prime Minister Modi expressed sadness over the death of Osamu Suzuki
AMN / WEB DESK
Osamu Suzuki, the visionary leader and mentor behind India’s Maruti Suzuki’s success, has passed away. He was 94. Praised for his foresight and risk-taking in India’s automobile industry, Suzuki forged a vital partnership with the Indian government, greatly impacting the economy and strengthening India-Japan ties.
He died on Christmas Day of lymphoma, said the company, which he steered ambitiously, during his time as either chief executive or chairman, out of its primary market of minivehicles.
The inexpensive, boxy, 660-cc cars specific to Japan benefited from generous tax breaks, but demanded a stringent reining-in of costs that proved to be a key part of the automaker’s DNA.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed sadness at the passing of former Chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Osamu Suzuki. In his message, Mr. Modi called him a legendary figure in the global automotive industry, saying that his visionary work reshaped global perceptions of mobility. The Prime Minister said that under his leadership, Suzuki Motor Corporation became a global powerhouse, successfully navigating challenges, and driving innovation, and expansion. He said Osamu Suzuki had a profound affection for India, and his collaboration with Maruti revolutionised the Indian automobile market.
Profile
| Name | Osamu Suzuki | |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 30 January 1930 | |
| Residence | Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture (Birthplace: Gifu Prefecture) | |
| Final Education | Mar. 1953 | Graduated from the Faculty of Law, Chuo University |
| Job History | Apr. 1958 | Joined Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. |
| Nov. 1963 | Appointed as Director | |
| Dec. 1967 | Appointed as Director and Managing Director | |
| Nov. 1973 | Appointed as Director and Senior Managing Director | |
| June 1978 | Appointed as Director and President | |
| Oct. 1990 | Company name changed to Suzuki Motor Corporation | |
| June 2000 | Appointed as Director and Chairman | |
| Dec. 2008 | Appointed as Director and Chairman and President | |
| June 2015 | Appointed as Director and Chairman | |
| June 2021 | Appointed as Senior Advisor | |
| Awards | Mar. 1985 | Sitara-e-Pakistan award, Pakistan |
| Nov. 1987 | Medal with Blue Ribbon, Japan | |
| May 1993 | Commander’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit, Hungary | |
| May 2000 | The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, Japan | |
| Nov. 2002 | Inducted into a Hall of Fame of Japan Automobile Hall of Fame | |
| May 2004 | Commander’s Cross with the Star of the Hungarian Order of Merit, Hungary | |
| Mar. 2007 | Padma Bhushan, India | |
| Mar. 2020 | Grand Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit, Hungary | |
End