Osamu Suzuki has passed away on Wednesday at the age of 94 after battling with cancer.
Suzuki Motor Corporation, known for its specialization in small cars, has been significantly influenced by the leadership of its former president Osamu Suzuki.
Throughout Osamu Suzuki's four-decade tenure, which lasted until 2021, the company experienced remarkable growth, with sales increasing more than tenfold.
Born on January 30, 1930, in Gifu, Japan, Suzuki became connected to the company through marriage to its founding family.
Osamu Suzuki took on the role of president in 1978 and was known for his pragmatic approach, referring to himself as an "old man at a small business."
Under his guidance, Suzuki focused on the production of lightweight "kei" vehicles, which gained popularity for their fuel efficiency and ease of handling.
Suzuki's strategic vision included seeking international partnerships to broaden the company's reach.
He established collaborations with major automotive manufacturers such as General Motors and Volkswagen and entered a capital alliance with Toyota in 2019. His initiatives were particularly successful in India, where the company’s subsidiary now holds a leading market position.
According to the Nikkei Shimbun Business Daily, when Osamu Suzuki retired as chairman in 2021, the company reported sales of 3.18 trillion yen (approximately $20 billion). In contrast, when he assumed leadership in 1978, the company's sales were only 323 billion yen.
His legacy includes transforming Suzuki into a global automotive brand with significant influence in various markets.