Former Suzuki Motor Corp. Chairman, Osamu Suzuki, passed away on December 25, 2024, the automaker has confirmed. He was 94. The automotive icon died of lymphoma, Suzuki confirmed in a statement, leaving a strong legacy for the global giant with major operations in India. Osamu Suzuki is credited for spearheading the brand’s entrance into the Indian market, which now contributes the largest share of Suzuki’s global sales.
Under his guidance, Suzuki Motor Corporation expanded significantly. When he first became president in 1978, the company had around 300 billion yen in sales. By 2006, that number had grown to over 3 trillion yen. Suzuki also played a crucial role in establishing a dominant presence in India through its subsidiary Maruti Suzuki, which controls a significant share of the Indian car market.
Despite his many successes, Suzuki’s tenure was not without challenges. In 2016, the company faced a scandal over improper fuel efficiency testing methods. Following this incident, he stepped down as CEO but remained as chairman until 2021.
