Former Suzuki Chairman Osamu Suzuki dies at 94; Took married wife’s surname in Suzuki family, made the company a global brand

Osamu Suzuki, former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, has died at the age of 94. He was suffering from a disease called Lymphoma. Osamu was born on January 30, 1930 in Gero, Japan. In 1958, he married Shoko Suzuki, daughter of the Suzuki family, and took her (wife’s) surname. In the same year he also joined Suzuki.

The credit for Suzuki’s expansion across the world is given to Osamu. It was due to his efforts that Suzuki’s small cars and motorcycles got a distinct identity across the world. Osamu remained associated with the company for several decades. He became the chairman of the company twice. He is the person who has held this post for the longest time.

Under his guidance, Suzuki Motor entered into strategic partnerships with General Motors and Volkswagen. Entering the Indian market in the 1980s is considered their boldest move.

In 1982, Maruti formed a joint venture with the Government of India.

In 1982, Suzuki formed a joint venture with the Government of India, creating Maruti Udyog. This partnership introduced a small car named Maruti 800. As soon as it was launched, this model became a hit in the Indian market and gave Suzuki a strong place. Maruti Suzuki has been India’s largest car manufacturer for the last several years.

Name linked to fuel-economy testing scandal, had to resign

Suzuki’s tenure was full of challenges. He faced a fuel-economy testing scandal in Japan. Due to this case, he had to resign from the post of CEO of the company in 2016. Even after retirement, Suzuki used his experience in the company and played the role of advisor.