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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Hyundai Motor India has introduced a new HX5+ variant for its recently launched all-new Hyundai Venue compact SUV at INR 999,900 (ex-showroom).

Equipped with the Kappa 1.2-litre petrol engine – MT, the HX5+ variant gets roof rails, Quad Beam LED Headlamps, rear window sunshade, smartphone wireless charger, driver console armrest with storage, rear wiper & washer and driver power window with auto up-down & safety. It also gets driver seat height adjustment.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “The all-new Hyundai Venue has witnessed an overwhelming response from customers, with more than 50,000 bookings already received. The introduction of the new HX5+ variant enhances all-new Venue’s value proposition with added comfort and convenience features that align with evolving customer expectations.”

“HMIL continues to stand for trust, quality and long-term value, delivering products that resonate with the aspirations of millions across our country. We are deeply committed to India and Indian customers and the introduction of the Hyundai Venue HX 5+ variant marks another milestone in our journey to delight customers with products that truly reflect their aspirations,” he said.

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the prices for its popular SUV the all-new Kia Seltos, starting at INR 1.09 million (ex-showroom).

In its second generation, the Seltos is manufactured at the company’s Anantapur facility and is intended to compete in the mid-SUV segment through a range of updates to its dimensions, technology and safety features.

The vehicle is built on Kia’s K3 platform, which is making its debut in India. The SUV has a length of 4,460 mm, a width of 1,830 mm and a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. Exterior features include a digital grille design, automatic door handles and LED projection headlamps. The model is available in 10 monotone colours and features alloy wheels up to 18 inches.

Inside, the cabin features a 30-inch display panel and a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel. Technical specifications include a Bose 8-speaker audio system, wireless smartphone integration and a proximity unlock function. Comfort is managed through a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, ventilated front seats, and a dual-pane sunroof.

Safety systems consist of a standard pack of 24 features, including six airbags, an anti-lock brake system and hill-start assist. The vehicle also incorporates Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with 21 autonomous functions. The powertrain options include 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. These are paired with six transmission options, including manual, iMT, IVT, DCT and automatic gearboxes.

Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director & CEO, Kia India, said, “The all-new Kia Seltos marks a strong evolution of a nameplate that has shaped Kia’s journey in India. With this new generation, our intent is clear – to redefine the mid-SUV segment by raising standards across space, safety, technology and overall ownership experience, while delivering exceptional value to our customers. This strategic approach strengthens our competitiveness, reinforces customer confidence in the brand, and positions Kia strongly to regain momentum and market share in one of India’s most important SUV segments. True to its BADASS legacy, the all-new Seltos reflects our long-term commitment to offering well-balanced, future-ready SUVs designed for modern Indian families.”

Ownership support includes service bookings via the MyKia app and extended warranty options for up to seven years. At present, Kia has established a network of 821 touchpoints across 369 cities in India.

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Honda Cars India (HCIL) has announced its domestic wholesales of 5,807 units in December 2025, which was 3.6 percent YoY, as compared to 5,603 units sold last year.

Furthermore, the company exported 2,352 units last month, as compared to 3,857 units a year ago.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “We closed December with good sales growth, carrying forward the positive momentum achieved since GST 2.0 implementation. Demand remained robust across all models Honda Amaze, City and Elevate, with each contributing strongly to overall performance. The new year 2026 is expected to unlock new opportunities, with multiple product launches scheduled during the year.”

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European automaker Renault India has reported its wholesales for December 2025 with 33.4 percent YoY growth at 3,845 units.

For second half of 2025, the company saw 18.2 per cent growth. Renault India stated that sales in Q4 CY2025 rose by 27.3 percent on the back of the recent launch of the Triber in July and the Kiger in August.

During 2025, Renault India implemented several measures:

• Opening of ‘R’ stores.
• Establishment of the Renault Design Centre in India.
• Introduction of a 3-year warranty.
• Acquisition of 100 percent ownership of its manufacturing facility.

The company has scheduled the unveiling of the Duster for 26 January 2026.

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said, “The H2 performance of CY2025 clearly reflects the direction we have taken for Renault in India. After a phase of portfolio transition, the consistent recovery from Q3 onwards – culminating in a strong Q4 and our best monthly performance in December, confirms that the course correction we initiated is delivering tangible results. The momentum we are seeing today is a direct outcome of that approach. With the right building blocks now in place, we are entering the next phase with confidence, and the return of the iconic Duster will mark a significant step forward in Renault’s renewed journey in India.”

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