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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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced its wholesales of 236,013 units in September 2026, up 24 percent YoY, as compared to 189,665 units sold last year.

In the domestic passenger vehicle segment, total sales reached 181,838 units in September 2026, up from 132,820 units last year.

Passenger car models – comprising the Alto, Baleno, Celerio, Ciaz, Dzire, Ignis, S-Presso, Swift and WagonR – accounted for 91,887 units, compared to 74,090 units in September 2025.

SUVs, including the Brezza, Ertiga, eVitara, Fronx, Grand Vitara, Invicto, Jimny, Victoris and XL6, reached 78,911 units, up from 48,695 units. Sales of the Eeco van came at 11,040 units against 10,035 units in the year-ago period.

In commercial and supply operations, Super Carry light commercial vehicle sales stood at 3,414 units for the month, compared to 2,891 units in September 2025.

Supplies to other OEMs came at 6,542 units, down from 11,750 units YoY, bringing total domestic sales including LCVs and OEM supplies to 191,794 units compared to 147,461 units in September 2025. Export sales rose to 44,219 units from 42,204 units.

For the first half of the financial year 2026–27 (April to September), Maruti Suzuki recorded cumulative total sales of 1.37 million units, up from 1.07 million units a year ago.

 Cumulative domestic passenger vehicle sales reached 1.08 million units, while total domestic sales including commercial vehicles and OEM supplies reached 1.14 million units. Total exports for the six-month period stood at 232,855 units, compared to 207,459 units in the previous financial year.

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Honda Cars India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has opened pre-launch bookings for the updated Honda Elevate SUV ahead of its scheduled launch on 6 October 2026.

Customers can reserve the SUV at authorised dealerships across India with a booking amount of INR 21,000.

India serves as the initial market for the release of the updated model, which incorporates revisions to exterior styling, interior appointments and equipment specifications.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President of Marketing and Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "The Honda Elevate has established a strong position among SUV buyers in India, appreciated for its bold design, road presence, driving pleasure, safety, space and comfort. With the new Elevate, we are taking this proposition further by introducing several strongly desired features and enhancements, along with a bolder design and more premium cabin experience. India is the lead market for the Elevate and we are proud to introduce the new Elevate first in India. As we open pre-launch bookings ahead of the festive season, we look forward to offering our customers an even more compelling Honda SUV and making their celebrations even more special."

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has announced its wholesales for September 2026, selling 114,874 vehicles, up 15 percent YoY.

Last month, the company sold 64,092 SUVs in the domestic market, up 14 percent YoY, as compared to 56,233 units sold a year ago.

Commercial vehicle sales, including three-wheelers, came at 30,420 units, up 14 percent.

In terms of exports, the company saw a decline of 7 percent last month, with a total of 4,019 units shipped, as compared to 4,320 units a year ago.

Dr Velusamy R, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “In September, SUV sales clocked 64,092 units with a growth of 14 percent, and total vehicle sales stood at 114,874 units, a 15 percent YoY growth. Adding to this momentum, we are proud to have crossed the milestone of 100,000 units billing of our Electric Origin SUVs since launch.”

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced its monthly wholesales of 77,916 units in September 2026, marking a 10.8 percent YoY growth.

This, the company said, marks the highest monthly wholesales, setting a new monthly sales record for Hyundai Motor India, surpassing its previous monthly record of 75,360 units, set in July 2026.

In the domestic market, the company sold 57,166 vehicles last month, up 10.9 percent YoY, while exports reached 20,750 units, reflecting a 10.4 percent YoY increase.

Tarun Garg, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, "We are delighted to close September 2026 with our highest-ever total monthly sales of 77,916 units (domestic + exports), registering a healthy double-digit growth of 10.8 percent YoY. This number surpasses our previous record achieved in July 2026. The well-rounded growth across domestic and exports markets is a testament to the strong appeal of our product portfolio and our commitment to delivering world-class mobility solutions in India and across global markets. Going ahead, we are expecting sustained customer enthusiasm during the festive season, also supported by the opening of bookings for the Hyundai Bayon, our upcoming all-new nameplate for India."

The company opened order books for its Hyundai Bayon model ahead of the festive sales period.

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