Osamu Suzuki, the man who led Suzuki Motor Corporation for over five decades and was the longest serving head of a global automaker for more than 28 years as president, passed away on 27 December 2024 due to lymphoma.

A former bank employee Osamu Matsuda took over his wife’s surname Suzuki after their marriage. He joined Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1958 and worked in several roles before assuming the role of President in 1978.

It was in 1982, when the Indian government was scouting for bringing automotive manufacturing in India, Suzuki Motor Corporation picked up 26 percent stake in Maruti Udyog. This set the stepping stone for where Maruti Suzuki India is today.

Among various achievements, he will be fondly remembered for his bet on entering the Indian automotive market, which now serves as one of the largest markets for Suzuki Motor Corp.

As per media reports, Toshihiro Suzuki, the eldest son of Osamu Suzuki issued a statement that said: “The funeral was held privately with close family members until the ashes were interred. We respectfully decline condolence ceremonies, perfumes, flowers, condolence telegrams, etc.”

A statement issued by Maruti Suzuki India said, "Maruti Suzuki is deeply saddened on the passing of Osamu Suzuki, Senior Advisor, Suzuki Motor Corporation and Director & Honorary Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India. O. Suzuki was a visionary leader whose remarkable contributions shaped the global automobile industry. In India, his foresight and leadership were instrumental in the formation of Maruti Udyog in 1981. With his vision O. Suzuki played the pivotal role in realising the dream of putting India on wheels by empowering millions of Indian families with affordable, reliable, efficient and good quality vehicles. 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."

R C Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India, 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. He won and enjoyed the trust of several Prime Ministers. He had a very close understanding with the present Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Osamu San’s contribution to the Indian economy, and for building bridges between India and Japan was acknowledged by the conferment of the Padma Bhushan on him.”

“He will be missed by his innumerable admirers and beneficiaries in the country. 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.”

“Osamu San came to Delhi at the end of July this year despite not being in good health. He came because he wanted to attend my 90th birthday. It was the most touching event in my life. Little did I know that this would be the last time I would see him. Osamu San will no longer be there to guide us. His legacy and teachings will never be forgotten and he will be remembered every time Maruti reaches another milestone as a part of the progress of India. May God give strength to his family to bear this irreparable loss,” added Bhargava.

Shradha Suri Marwah, President, ACMA & CMD, Subros, said, “It is with profound sorrow that we bid farewell to Osamu Suzuki, the legendary former Chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, whose visionary leadership and indomitable spirit transformed the global automotive industry. Over his remarkable career spanning several decades, he was instrumental in shaping Suzuki into one of the most trusted and admired automobile brands worldwide. His exceptional contributions to India through Maruti Suzuki not only revolutionised the Indian automotive landscape but also strengthened the bonds between India and Japan, fostering a partnership that set benchmarks for the global auto industry and the creation of a robust supply chain that empowered countless businesses. A trailblazer, mentor, and innovator, Suzuki's unwavering commitment to excellence, humility, and sustainability has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know him. His legacy will continue to inspire generations in the automotive and business communities. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Suzuki Motor Corporation family during this time of grief.” 

Image: File photo: Flickr

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Tata Motors, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has reported its wholesales for December 2025 and Q3 FY2026.

The company reported sales of 50,046 units last month, up 13 percent YoY, as against 44,230 units last year.

For Q3 FY2026, the wholesales came at 168,616 units in the domestic market, up 20.9 percent YoY, as against 139,424 units a year ago.

Highlights for Q3 FY26 include:

• EVs: Sales reached 24,103 units.
• CNG: Volumes passed 47,000 units.
• SUVs: Volumes increased by 18 percent.
• Models: The Nexon recorded sales of 64,000 units.

The period saw the introduction of Harrier and Safari petrol models and the launch of the Sierra.

For the 2025 calendar year, sales reached 587,218 units. This figure includes EV volumes of 81,125 units.

Shailesh Chandra, MD and CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “CY2025 saw steady progress for the PV industry powered by a growing preference for SUVs and accelerating adoption of cleaner, emission-friendly powertrains. For Tata Motors, it was the fifth consecutive year of record-breaking annual sales, with 587,218 units sold, including the highest-ever EV volumes of 81,125 units in a calendar year.”

At present, the company said its dealers are well placed to meet customer demand with average inventory of around 18 days.

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has reported record wholesales of 178,646 units in December 2025, up 37 percent YoY. In comparison, the company sold a total of 130,117 units for the same period last year.

Furthermore, for YTD FY2026, the total wholesales came at 1.32 million units, up 37 percent YoY, as against 1.27 million units for the same period last year.

On the other hand, Maruti Suzuki India exported 395,000 vehicles in CY2025, up 21 percent YoY. With this the company continues to be the leading passenger vehicle exporter from India for five years.

In 2025, the company exported 18 models across 100 countries. The year included the start of exports for the e Vitara, a battery electric vehicle. Following the launch at the Hansalpur facility in August 2025, 13,000 units were sent to 29 countries.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “This is a proud moment for the company as we record our highest-ever calendar year exports of 395,000 units. It reflects India’s manufacturing strength and trust of customers worldwide. At a time when global trade is passing through a turbulent phase, we regard this 21 percent growth as a responsible contribution in supporting the nation’s export momentum.”

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country has announced its wholesales for December 2025 and CY2025.

The company reported sales of 34,157 units last month, which was 37 percent higher YoY, as compared to 24,887 units sold last year.

For CY2025, the company recorded its-best-ever sales performance with 351,580 units, up 17 percent YoY, as against 300,159 units last year.

The company attributed the performance to its robust product mix in the SUV, MPV and compact segments, including the Innova Hycross, Fortuner, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Hilux, Urban Cruiser Taisor and Glanza.

During the year, the company also expanded its Toyota Used Car Outlets (TUCO) and services including T CARE and T GLOSS. Marketing activities involved a tour by the group Drum Tao, the opening of the Toyota Experiential Museum (TEM), and participation in conventions with collaborations involving Shin-Chan and Attack on Titan.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business and Profit Enhancement, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Overall, 2025 has been a meaningful year for Toyota, marked by stronger customer acceptance across our products and services, both in domestic and export markets resulting in a year-on-year growth of 19%. This sustained performance has been driven by progressive GST reforms by the Government of India, strategic product enhancements and the introduction of new model variants. Our continued focus on strengthening brand connect among the youth by driving innovation and excitement through the launch of tem and Drum Tao activation along with the enhancement of our dealer network across both rural and urban markets, has positioned us strongly for continued momentum. We sincerely thank our customers for their trust and dealer partners for their unwavering support. Looking ahead, our commitment to decarbonisation remains steadfast through Toyota’s multipath way approach, offering a broad range of technologies tailored to diverse customer needs and real-world usage. Anchored in our customer-first philosophy and long-term commitment to India, we will collaborate closely with all stakeholders to deliver world-class mobility solutions, resulting in mass happiness for all.”

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Audi India, a leading luxury car manufacturer, has announced its sales performance with 4,510 units sold in CY2025.

Demand during the festive season and growth in the pre-owned segment, SUVs, and the performance and lifestyle range supported the results. The market was influenced by GST 2.0.

Furthermore, the automaker stated that it witnessed robust demand for models including the Audi Q7, Audi Q8, Audi S5 Sportback and Audi RS Q8 Performance. Traction continued for the Audi Q3, Audi A4, Audi A6 and Audi Q5.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Brand Director, Audi India, said, “While market dynamics presented inherent challenges, our performance underscored the fundamental strength of the Audi vision and the invaluable loyalty of our customer base. The welcome regulatory support provided by the GST rationalisation that allowed us to significantly reinforce our core proposition: defining Audi ownership as an integrated, superior experience that extends beyond the vehicle to encompass unparalleled service and a lasting relationship. Stepping into 2026, our mandate is one of clear focus and intensified purpose. We are prepared to translate market challenges into sustainable momentum through innovative product launches, enhanced customer experience and initiatives prioritizing people-centric growth.”

The year included the launch of the Audi RS Q8 Performance and the introduction of Signature Editions for the Audi A4 and Audi Q7, alongside Signature Line versions of the Audi Q3 and Audi Q5.

Audi India also partnered with Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra as a Friend of Audi India.

The German luxury car brand expanded its footprint with a pop-up store in Kanpur and a service facility in Dehradun. The company’s pre-owned business, Audi Approved: plus, grew by 3 percent in 2025. The network now includes 27 facilities with an inventory of over 500 cars.

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