'He Was My Teacher': Maruti Suzuki India's Chairman On Osamu Suzuki's Death

Bhargava said that Osamu San will no longer be here to guide them, but his legacy and teachings will live on. He added that Suzuki will be remembered every time Maruti achieves a new milestone

Suzuki led the company for over 40 years, holding positions as president, chairman, and CEO from 1978 until his retirement in June 2021 at the age of 91

Source : PTI

Osamu Suzuki, who led Suzuki Motor Corp. for several decades passed away at the age of 94. He died from lymphoma on December 25 and is survived by his wife and three children, according to a company statement. R C Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India expressed his sorrow over the passing of the industry veteran.

In an official statement, Bhargava said, “It is with the deepest personal sorrow that I have learnt of the passing of Osamu Suzuki San. Without his vision and foresight, his willingness to take a risk that no one else was willing to take, his deep and abiding love for India, and his immense capabilities as a teacher, I believe the Indian automobile industry could not have become the powerhouse that it has become. Millions of us in this country are living better lives because of Osamu San.”

“I have lost someone who was closer than a brother to me. He changed my life and showed how nationality is no barrier to people building unbreakable bonds of trust in each other. He was my teacher, mentor and a person who stood by me even in my darkest days. If I played a role in the success of Maruti, it was because I was his student and he had taught me how best to grow a company and make it competitive,” he added.

Bhargava said that Osamu San will no longer be here to guide them, but his legacy and teachings will live on. He will be remembered every time Maruti achieves a new milestone, reflecting his contribution to India's progress.

In a separate statement, Maruti Suzuki India said, “Maruti Suzuki is deeply saddened on the passing of Osamu Suzuki, Senior Advisor, Suzuki Motor Corporation and Director and Honorary Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India Limited. O. Suzuki was a visionary leader whose remarkable contributions shaped the global automobile industry.”

“Under his stewardship, Indian automobile industry adopted the Japanese manufacturing and work practices that are globally recognised for teamwork, productivity and cost effectiveness. O. Suzuki’s legacy will live on as an inspiration to all of us at Maruti Suzuki and the entire automotive community in India. His passion to bring smiles to people’s lives through mobility will forever be cherished. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, business partners and colleagues in this moment of distress,” it added.

Meanwhile, Born in Osamu Matsuda, Suzuki married into the family that founded the Hamamatsu, Japan-based automaker. During his extensive tenure, he formed partnerships with General Motors and Volkswagen AG to introduce vehicles in North America and Europe, while using Suzuki Motor's expertise in small cars to dominate the Indian market. Suzuki led the company for over 40 years, holding positions as president, chairman, and CEO from 1978 until his retirement in June 2021 at the age of 91.