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Uzone.id—The automotive industry, especially Japan, recently lost an important figure who enormously contributed to the global automotive industry. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) announced the passing of its former CEO, Osamu Suzuki, on Wednesday, 25 December 2024. The 94-year-old man’s passing left great sorrow for Suzuki’s big family and automotive fans worldwide.
According to the company’s official statement, Osamu Suzuki died from malignant lymphoma or cancer of the lymph nodes. He was born on 30 January 1930 in Gero, Gifu Prefecture, and raised in a farming family. Initially, he dreamt of becoming a politician, but as time passed, he started his career as a bank employee in 1953.
Osamu Suzuki was known as the figure behind the revival of the Suzuki Motor Corporation. He joined the company in 1958 after marrying Shoko Suzuki, the granddaughter of Michio Suzuki, founder of Suzuki Motor Corporation. When he joined, the company was still focused on loom production before finally diversifying into the automotive sector. Three years before that, SMC had just launched its first motorbike, the ColledaCOX 125cc, and the Suzulight 360cc car, which became the forerunner of the Kei Car era—small cars in Japan.
Osamu held several management positions before quickly climbing the corporate ladder and becoming the CEO in 1978, thanks to his dedication and sharp vision. A year later, Suzuki became an important figure behind the launch of the Alto mini car in Japan, which is considered to have revived the domestic Kei Car market.
Under his leadership, Suzuki Motor Corporation underwent a major transformation. One of the bravest decisions Suzuki made was to focus on the small car segment. At the time, many automotive manufacturers were more interested in large and powerful vehicles.
However, Suzuki believes that there is a large market for nimble, fuel-efficient small cars that big brands have ignored. He also expanded the company’s global market reach, including Southeast Asia, Europe, and India. They even built production bases from Pakistan to Hungary.
Suzuki proved his sharp vision. Small cars such as the Suzuki Alto, Swift, and Wagon R have become popular globally, especially in developing countries. For example, Suzuki Alto has become one of the best-selling cars in Japan and many other countries.
Meanwhile, the Maruti 800, which was produced with local partners in India, succeeded in changing the country’s automotive landscape and bringing millions of Indians into the era of modern mobility. The car’s success is due to its high fuel efficiency, attractive designs, and affordable prices.
“If I had listened to everyone, it would have made things too slow,” said Osamu Suzuki in a Japanese-language memoir published in 2009.
Osamu Suzuki is known as a humble yet firm leader. He always emphasized the importance of efficiency, innovation, and listening to consumer needs. One principle he often conveyed is, “We make cars for the people, not for a few rich people.”
Osama Suzuki led the company for over 28 years, making him the longest-serving chairman of a global automotive company. In 2015, he passed the throne to his son, Toshihiro Suzuki, who became SMC’s Chairman and CEO before eventually resigning a year later.
Osama’s vision and strong leadership have successfully transformed Suzuki from a small company into one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world. His pragmatic approach to facing industry challenges has made Suzuki, with its compact and efficient design, the favorite choice of millions worldwide.
Today, Suzuki has become a global automotive brand known for its innovation and reliability. According to the latest data compiled by Bloomberg, Suzuki will sell around 3.2 million vehicles worldwide by March 2024. More than half of these vehicles are sold in India, with the company’s Maruti Suzuki line selling the most significant portion.
