“Osamu Suzuki Legendary Figure In Global Automotive Industry” says PM Mod
AMN
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed deep grief over the demise of Suzuki Motor Corp’s patriarch and long-time chairman Osamu Suzuki and extended his condolences to his family and colleagues.
Osamu Suzuki, who led Japan’s Suzuki Motor for more than four decades and played a key role in turning India into a flourishing auto market, died aged 94.
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.
He ran the company for several decades, driving its global expansion. The company is currently India’s largest automaker. Osamu Suzuki also formed partnerships with General Motors Co. and Volkswagen AG to sell vehicles in North America and Europe, and a capital alliance partnership with Toyota in 2019, according to a Bloomberg report.
The Prime Minister, in a message on social media platform X, said: “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, driving innovation and expansion. He had a profound affection for India and his collaboration with Maruti revolutionised the Indian automobile market.”
PM Modi also recalled the several interactions he had with Osamu Suzuki and praised him for his hard work and humility.
“I cherish fond memories of my numerous interactions with Mr Suzuki and deeply admire his pragmatic and humble approach. He led by example, exemplifying hard work, meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality. Heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and countless admirers,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.
Osamu Suzuki was a visionary leader whose remarkable contributions shaped the global automobile industry, including in India where he shared a good rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a Maruti Suzuki statement issued on Friday.