Maruti Suzuki's Osamu Suzuki passes away at 94; the man who revolutionized Indian automobile market

NEW DELHI: Osamu Suzuki, the former chairman of Japan's Suzuki Motor Corporation, which revolutionized the Indian automobile market with the popular small car Maruti 800, has passed away. He was 94 and had been battling cancer. Osamu Suzuki led Suzuki for over four decades, transforming the Hamamatsu-based automaker into a global brand by expanding into markets like the United States and Europe.

One of Osamu Suzuki's boldest decisions was investing in India's emerging car manufacturing sector. In 1982, Suzuki partnered with the Indian government to establish Maruti Udyog. The following year, the Maruti 800, based on Suzuki's popular Japanese small car Alto, debuted in the market, creating a revolution by offering an affordable vehicle for middle-class families. Currently, Maruti Suzuki holds a 40% market share in India.

Osamu Matsuda, born on January 30, 1930, in Gifu, Japan, changed his name after marrying into the Suzuki family, the founders of the Suzuki company. A former bank official, Osamu joined Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1958. Rising through the ranks, he became the company’s president in 1979. The following year, he introduced the Alto, a small car that revolutionized the market. He expanded Suzuki’s reach into Europe and North America by partnering with General Motors and Volkswagen. Osamu Suzuki served as Suzuki Motor Corporation's president for a combined 28 years over two terms. In 2015, he stepped down as president, handing over the role to his son Toshihiro, and assumed the position of chairman. He retired as chairman in 2021.