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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Kia India recorded wholesale dispatches of 28,200 units in July 2026, marking a 27.4 percent increase compared to 22,135 units sold last year.

Interestingly, last month the automaker clocked its highest July wholesale volume since commencing operations in India.

The company attributed the sales performance to the Seltos and Sonet SUVs. The Seltos has maintained monthly dispatch averages above 10,000 units since January, with year-to-date growth standing at 75.7 percent. On the other hand, Sonet saw its sales rise 34.5 percent for YTD CY2026.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “Our best-ever July wholesale performance reflects the continued trust of our customers and the strong acceptance of Kia's diverse product portfolio. Building on our record H1 performance, we have maintained healthy momentum across key segments. Led by the strong performance of the Seltos and Sonet, we have seen healthy demand across Carens Clavis and MY26 Syros. Meanwhile, the Carens Clavis EV continues to strengthen our presence in the electric mobility space. We are delighted by the customer response to the newly launched Syros EV. Its segment-leading range, advanced technology, industry-leading ownership benefits and expanding EV ecosystem reflect our commitment to delivering practical and future-ready mobility solutions for Indian customers. We remain focused on strengthening our product portfolio and enhancing the ownership experience as we continue our growth journey.”

In the electric vehicle segment, Kia India recently introduced the Syros EV, featuring an ARAI-certified range of 526 km, 171 PS power output, Level 2 autonomous driver assistance systems with 16 functions and a 39-minute fast-charging capability from 10 to 80 percent. The model joins the Carens Clavis EV in Kia's electric lineup.

At present, the company operates a retail and service network comprising 905 touchpoints across 412 cities in India, supported by 135 Certified Pre-Owned vehicle outlets.

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Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced its wholesale sales of 8,284 units for July 2026, up 10 percent YoY, as compared to 7,524 units sold last year.

In the domestic market, the company sold 6,014 units, up 48 percent YoY, as compared to 4,050 units last year. Exports came at 2,270 units, a decline of 35 percent YoY, as compared to 3,473 units.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “Our sales performance with over 48 percent growth in domestic sales in July’ 26 reflects the positive momentum we are building across our portfolio. The encouraging response to the recently introduced new City and the launch of the Honda ZR-V has further strengthened customer interest in the brand, while Honda Elevate and Honda Amaze continue to deliver robust sales backed by their strong value proposition and customer trust. With the onset of the festive season, we are confident that our strengthened portfolio and customer-focused initiatives will help us sustain this momentum in the months ahead.”

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has reported its wholesales for July 2026, selling 241,421 units, marking a 34 percent YoY growth, as compared to 180,526 units sold last year.

In the domestic market, the company sold 196,203 passenger vehicles, up 42 percent YoY, as compared to 137,776 units last year. Commercial vehicle sales came at 3,920 units, as compared to 2,794 units.

Sales to other OEMs (Toyota Kirloskar Motor) came at 11,242 units, up 37 percent YoY, as compared to 8,211 units.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced its wholesale sales for July 2026.

The company sold 29,159 units in the domestic market, marking a 5 percent YoY growth, as compared to 29,159 units sold last year.

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We registered a steady performance in July, reflecting sustained customer confidence in the Toyota brand. The result underscores our continued focus on delivering reliable, innovative and customer-centric mobility solutions. A key highlight during the month was the launch of the all-new Toyota Hilux, which further strengthens our SUV portfolio in India and reflects our commitment to offering aspirational, future-ready mobility solutions that cater to evolving customer needs. We remain focused on creating greater value for our customers and stakeholders.”

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