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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Japanese luxury car brand Lexus India has inaugurated its new Guest Experience Centre in Surat, expanding its retail presence in Gujarat following a recent opening in Ahmedabad.

The facility is operated by Lexus Bharat, a joint venture between Kirloskar Systems, Toyota Tsusho India and Japan's Toyota Tsusho Corporation. The location features a vehicle showroom and an operational Lexus Service Point for aftersales maintenance. The inauguration ceremony was led by Lexus Bharat Managing Director Sreenivas Chivikula and Lexus India Executive Vice President Ryosuke Tawara.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said, "India's luxury automotive market is evolving rapidly, with guests increasingly seeking distinctive products, meaningful experiences and brands that align with their values. At Lexus, our vision is to bring the Lexus experience closer to guests across the country. The inauguration of Surat Guest Experience Centre marks an important milestone for Lexus India. As the second GEC in Gujarat, following the recent inauguration of Ahmedabad GEC, the Surat outlet further strengthens our presence in this vibrant and growing luxury market. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit and legacy of craftsmanship, Surat's pursuit of quality and excellence resonates strongly with Lexus. We are delighted to welcome guests into a space that reflects our dedication to innovation, exceptional hospitality and Omotenashi. Through this new Guest Experience Centre, we look forward to building deeper connections with our guests while delivering the unique luxury experience that defines Lexus."

Sreenivas Chivikula added: "The inauguration of our Guest Experience Centre at Surat marks an exciting new chapter for Lexus in India. Lexus Bharat is committed to supporting Lexus India's efforts to deliver exceptional guest experiences. As we enter new markets, our focus remains on delivering world-class luxury retail standards and personalised guest experiences that embody Lexus' unique experience."

The Surat facility increases Lexus India's retail network to nine Guest Experience Centres across major metropolitan markets, including Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Kochi and Ahmedabad, supported nationwide by 19 Lexus Service Point locations. Ownership programs include an eight-year or 200,000-kilometre warranty covering the vehicle and hybrid battery system, alongside five-year roadside assistance packages.

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has attained a new sales milestone of 1.5 million units for its popular compact SUV – the Brezza.

The achievement follows the launch of the updated Brezza model, which has accumulated over 100,000 customer bookings.

The Brezza range includes multiple powertrain options, featuring the K15C petrol engine, a turbocharged Boosterjet variant and S-CNG technology. The S-CNG variant incorporates an underbody fuel-tank packaging layout to preserve boot compartment capacity. Safety specifications for the updated model include a 5-star rating under the Bharat NCAP testing protocol.

The company said that customer demand indicates that 56 percent of buyers evaluate the Brezza prior to starting their vehicle purchase process.

The milestone reinforces the model's position within Maruti Suzuki's SUV portfolio as production and sales volumes continue across domestic dealerships.

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the XUV 3XO ZNG, marking its initial entry into the compressed natural gas (CNG) passenger vehicle segment. The model is priced from INR 999,000 (ex-showroom), with top-tier variants reaching INR 1.22 million (ex-showroom).

The vehicle utilises a 1.2-litre mStallion TCMPFi turbocharged engine engineered to deliver 82 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque in both CNG and petrol operating modes. The engine system incorporates a 10-bar CNG injection pressure configuration, achieving a certified claimed fuel efficiency of 24.7 km/kg and zero-to-60 kmph in 4.9 seconds. Storage design features an underfloor twin-cylinder layout below the rear compartment, maintaining a flat cargo floor and 270 litres of usable boot space, with the spare tyre positioned externally under the body.

Dr Velusamy R, President of the Automotive Business at Mahindra & Mahindra, said, "The XUV 3XO ZNG comes with a clear promise: Zero Compromise. Customers today want the space, technology, safety and driving experience of an SUV, along with the lower running costs of CNG. With category-leading torque, turbocharged performance and impressive efficiency, the XUV 3XO ZNG brings together the practicality of CNG and the excitement of an SUV, setting a new benchmark for customer expectations from a CNG SUV."

Standard safety hardware across all variants includes six airbags, electronic stability control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and an integrated gas leak detection system programmed to automatically switch fuel supply to petrol if a leak occurs. Higher trim levels feature a 26.03 cm infotainment display, digital instrument cluster, sunroof options, automatic climate control and connectivity software.

The company is set to begin test drives from 15 October 2026, with formal bookings and customer deliveries scheduled to open on 20 October 2026.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor has launched the updated Toyota Glanza hatchback in India, priced from INR 699,000 ex-showroom. The updated hatchback introduces revised exterior styling, including an updated front bumper, side skirts, a wide chrome grille bar and LED headlamp assemblies.

Under the bonnet, it transitions to a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z12E petrol engine producing 61 kW of power and 112.4 Nm of torque, with claimed fuel efficiency figures of 23.80 kmpl for the manual transmission and 24.77 kmpl for the automated manual transmission (AMT) variant. The alternative CNG powertrain delivers 51.3 kW of power and 101.8 Nm of torque, and now incorporates an AMT option.

Tadashi Asazuma, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "Ever since its launch in 2019, the Toyota Glanza has been a popular choice among customers seeking a stylish, feature-rich and dependable hatchback. The 2026 New Toyota Glanza builds on this strong legacy with a sharper and sportier design, a more premium cabin experience and advanced safety technologies making it an even more compelling choice for today's customers. The hatchback segment continues to be an important entry point for customers beginning their mobility journey, and the Glanza is thoughtfully designed to meet these aspirations with style, quality and peace of mind. As customer needs evolve, we remain committed to delivering ever-better cars and creating happiness for our customers."

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President of Sales-Services-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "As customer expectations continue to evolve, the New Toyota Glanza introduces several meaningful enhancements across safety, convenience and connectivity. With the introduction of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), featuring Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Autonomous Emergency Braking and High Beam Assist, the New Glanza offers a premium mobility experience. The addition of AMT in the CNG variants further enhances driving convenience, while ventilated front seats, wireless charging and refreshed styling add to its overall appeal."

The Glanza features level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, a 360-degree camera system, six airbags, ventilated front seating, wireless device charging, a head-up display and a 22.86 cm touchscreen display with connected car telemetry.

Bookings have opened for an initial amount of INR 11,000, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in the first week of November. The Glanza can be had in seven paint options and comes with a standard 3-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty.

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