Osamu Suzuki, who put India on wheels, passes away at 94

Suzuki Motor Corporation’s senior adviser Osamu Suzuki, who led the Japanese carmaker for more than four decades and played a pivotal role in putting India on wheels by making affordable and reliable small cars in the country, passed away aged 94 on December 25, 2024.

Under his stewardship, Suzuki entered India by forming a joint venture with the Indian government to produce the people's car, the iconic Maruti 800.

Suzuki started production of the 800 through its joint venture company, Maruti Udyog Ltd in 1982. The first car rolled out from Maruti's Gurgaon factory on December 14, 1983. Maruti Suzuki's production volume, which stood at 20,000 in the first year, soared to over 2 million units in 2024.

Maruti Suzuki corners the lion's in passenger vehicles with its 40% market share.

“Without his vision and foresight, his willingness to take a risk that no one else was willing to take, his deep and abiding love for India, and his immense capabilities as a teacher, I believe the Indian automobile industry could not have become the powerhouse that it has become,” R C, chairman of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, says on the demise of Osamu Suzuki.

“I have lost someone who was closer than a brother to me. He changed my life and showed how nationality is no barrier to people building unbreakable bonds of trust in each other. He was my teacher, mentor and a person who stood by me even in my darkest days. If I played a role in the success of Maruti, it was because I was his student and he had taught me how best to grow a company and make it competitive,” Bhargava says in a statement.

Osamu Suzuki won and enjoyed the trust of several Indian Prime Ministers. He was also conferred with the Padma Bhushan by the Indian government in 2007.

Millions in this country are living better lives because of Osamu Suzuki, says Bhargava. "He won and enjoyed the trust of several Prime Ministers. He had a very close understanding with the present Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Osamu San’s contribution to the Indian economy, and for building bridges between India and Japan was acknowledged by the conferment of the Padma Bhushan on him. He will be missed by his innumerable admirers and beneficiaries in the country,” Bhargava says.

Osamu Suzuki was also director and honorary chairman of Maruti Suzuki India Limited. “Mr. O. Suzuki was a visionary leader whose remarkable contributions shaped the global automobile industry. In India, his foresight and leadership were instrumental in the formation of Maruti Udyog Limited,” the carmaker says in a statement.

“Mr. O. Suzuki’s legacy will live on as an inspiration to all of us at Maruti Suzuki and the entire automotive community in India. His passion to bring smiles to people’s lives through mobility will forever be cherished. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, business partners and colleagues in this moment of distress,” the statement says.

Osamu Suzuki came to Delhi at the end of July this year despite not being in good health, says Bhargava. “He came because he wanted to attend my 90th birthday. It was the most touching event in my life. Little did I know that this would be the last time I would see him... Osamu San will no longer be there to guide us. His legacy and teachings will never be forgotten and he will be remembered every time Maruti reaches another milestone as a part of the progress of India,” Bhargava adds.