MUMBAI: The eulogies and tributes are pouring in from far and wide for this Japanese gent who left an indelible mark on the Indian auto – actually business and economic – landscape and passed on at the ripe age of 94 on 25 December 2024 following complications due to malignant lymphoma. So much was his contribution that to India that the government conferred on Osamu Suzuki the highest civilian honor – a Padma Bhushan.
Born Osamu Matsuda he was referred to as Osamu Suzuki after marrying into the family that owned Suzuki Motor Corp. When he joined the company, it was a loom maker. Four decades of his leadership saw it being transformed into the world biggest automaker.
Read on for the tributes that have poured in:
“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. Millions of us in this country are living better lives because of Osamu San,” said Maruti Suzuki chairman RC Bhargava.
“His leadership was transformational. He pioneered small car manufacturing and expanded into India with the iconic Maruti 800. That was the first car I owned,” said Indian government official Amitabh Kant.
“From his group addresses to department managers during his visits to India to board meetings and review sessions in Japan, every moment in his presence was a masterclass in leadership, foresight,and wisdom. On several occasions, I had the honor of interacting with him one to one. Each interaction was a profound learning experience, underscored by his ability to ask the right questions, guide with clarity, and motivate with his vision,” said Maruti Suzuki former board member RS Kalsi.
“A visionary leader and extraordinary partner, Osamu Suzuki San laid the foundation of the Indian automotive and auto-component industry. Your visionary leadership not only drove innovation but also cultivated strong alliances that have propelled the industry forward, creating a legacy of collaboration that impacts current and future generations,” said Subros CMD & Acma president Shradha Suri Marwah .
“The world mourns the loss of Padma Bhushan Osamu Suzuki San, a visionary leader whose unwavering dedication revolutionized the global automotive landscape. From humble beginnings, he transformed Suzuki Motor Corporation into a global powerhouse, renowned for its innovative and fuel-efficient vehicles. His commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and environmental sustainability left an indelible mark on the industry,” said Uno Minda CMD Nirmal Minda .
“As I watched you from sidelines for more than 25 years , hearing you at Saim and Acma conventions , couple of times at SMC - Hamamatsu , spellbound by your vision and purpose and simple but powerful thoughts ! How you helped India become powerhouse of the world in frugal car manufacturing … With several thousand more of my professional clan in automotive sector , I give my respectful tribute . Suzuki San you will live forever … and you are one of the reasons we thought aautomotive sector was a great place to be .. as you built one of the biggest car manufacturing companies in world Maruti Suzuki India Limited Suzuki Motor Corporation Rest in Peace ,” said Vikas Marwah CEO Lumax Auto Technologies on Linkedin.
I have not met many global CEOs who took personal accountability when their India business hit a rough patch, but Suzuki-san did. On 18 July 2012, militant workers armed with iron rods and wooden sticks went on a rampage at Maruti's Manesar factory in what the Indian unit of Japan's Suzuki Motor Co. then described as "orchestrated mob" violence that didn't seem to stem from a dispute over wages or working conditions. One person, senior human resources manager Awanish Kumar Dev, died after his legs were broken and his office was set on fire. Some 100 more, both Indian and Japanese employees, were attacked and injured. Why did Awanish have to die?", he asked his management, who presented a slew of labor welfare schemes to him. He kept asking that question in subsequent board meetings before cracking the whip to rewrite Maruti's 30-year-old history since 1982,” said Zetwerk chief marketing officer Amrit Raj.
“Under his leadership, Suzuki championed small, affordable cars that revolutionized mobility for millions in India, case in point being Maruti 800 His vision bridged nations and brought technological excellence to the forefront of the Indian automotive landscape.Rest in peace Mr. Suzuki,” said IILM Institute for Higher Education economics professor Gurpreet Singh Bhatia.
“His foresight was instrumental for the birth of Maruti Suzuki in 1981, paving the way and reshaping the Indian automotive landscape. We, at Sunvisors India, are grateful for having adopted Japanese manufacturing processes and a work culture that has benefited so many of us auto component manufacturers,” said Sunvisors India managing director Anish Chanana.
“His passion, humility, and unwavering commitment to innovation left an indelible impression on me.O Suzuki-san’s leadership and vision not only defined Suzuki as a global brand but also deepened the bond between India and Japan, particularly through the Maruti Suzuki partnership, which transformed the automotive landscape in India. His legacy will continue to inspire us at Maruti Suzuki and beyond, as we strive to uphold the values he cherished,” opined Maruti Suzuki general manager Raman Kochhar.
“As the driving force behind the Maruti-Suzuki alliance, he took a leap of faith in India at a time when the concept of a “people’s car” was still a dream for many.Under his leadership, Suzuki not only became a household name but also empowered millions of Indians to own their first car, giving them freedom, mobility, and a new sense of independence. His contributions have touched every corner of this country, influencing not just automobile ownership but also the growth of the Indian economy and employment through Maruti Suzuki’s expansive presence. For every car owner in this country, Suzuki-san’s legacy lives on in the vehicles we drive, the memories we create, and the roads we traverse, “ said Dr Wheelz & RoamPrime founder Balaji Mohan.
“Mr. Suzuki's pivotal role in partnering with the Indian government for the Maruti project in the early 1980s turned India into a significant auto market. This bold move, driven by his ambition "to be number one somewhere in the world," led to the creation of the iconic Maruti 800 in 1983, a car that became synonymous with affordability and reliability for millions of Indian families. Today, Maruti Suzuki commands a dominant 40% share of India’s car market. Beyond the automobiles, Mr. Suzuki championed a professional workplace culture in class-conscious India. He insisted on open-plan offices, shared canteens, and equal uniforms for executives and workers, fostering unity and inclusivity. His leadership also extended to innovative business strategies, cost efficiency, and building global collaborations. Even in his 80s, he made strategic decisions, including a partnership with Toyota to advance electric vehicles, underscoring his forward-thinking approach. Mr. Suzuki's legacy is not just about cars; it's about reshaping industries, empowering people, and creating opportunities. His contributions will forever be etched in the history of India’s automotive journey,” highlighted former Maruti Suzuki senior manager Virendra Bhatnagar.
(Picture courtesy RS Kalsi's Linkedin page)
