OSAMU Suzuki, the man who took a risk and bet on India when no one else believed in having a viable automobile company in the country, has died at the age of 94, according to information shared by Japan’s Suzuki Motor Corporation on Friday. He passed away on December 25 due to malignant lymphoma, the company said. Suzuki, who took the risk of partnering with the then Indian Government to form a joint venture -- Maruti Udyog Ltd in 1981, at a time when India was still a closed economy under a licence regime, is widely regarded as the man who spurred the automotive industry in the country. Maruti Udyog Ltd later on became Maruti Suzuki India Ltd subsequent to the Government completing its exit in 2007 with Suzuki Motor Corporation holding a majority stake. Osamu Suzuki was the Director and Honorary Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. Condoling the demise Osamu Suzuki, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had a profound affection for India and his collaboration with Maruti revolutionised the Indian automobile market.

 

“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.Underhisleadership,Suzuki Motor Corporation became a global powerhouse, successfully navigating challenges, drivinginnovation and expansion,” Modi said in a post on X.Suzukihadaprofoundaffection forIndia and his collaboration with Maruti revolutionised theIndianautomobile market, the Prime Minister said.“Icherish fondmemories 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 detailandanunwaveringcommitment to quality.

 

Heartfelt condolences tohis family,colleagues and countless admirers,” Modi said. “Withouthisvisionand 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 automobileindustrycouldnot have become the powerhouse that it has become,” Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) Chairman, RCBhargava said on the passing of Suzuki. Noting Suzuki’s contribution toIndia,he said,“Millions of us in this country are living better lives because of Osamu San.” He further said, “Osamu San’scontribution to theIndian economy, and for building bridges between India and Japan was acknowledged by the conferment of the Padma Bhushan on him.” In a separate statement, MSIL said, “O Suzuki was a visionary leader whose remarkable contributions shaped the global automobile industry.” In India, the company said, “His foresight and leadership were instrumental in the formation ofMarutiUdyog Ltdin 1981.With his vision,O Suzuki played the pivotalrole in realising thedreamofputtingIndia onwheelsbyempoweringmillions of Indian families with affordable, reliable, efficient and good quality vehicles.” Under his stewardship, the company further said,“Indian automobile industry adopted the Japanese manufacturing and work practices that are globally recognised for teamwork, productivity and costeffectiveness.” Recollecting Suzuki’s relationship with India,Bhargava said, “He won and enjoyed the trust of several PMs. He had a very close understanding with the present PM, Shri Narendra Modi... He will be missed by his innumerable admirers.”