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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French automaker Renault has unveiled the Filante, a premium crossover designed to lead the brand's 2027 International Game Plan. Developed on the CMA platform, the vehicle marks Renault's return to the premium E-segment. The model will launch in South Korea in March 2026, followed by releases in South America and the Gulf states by early 2027.

The Filante name draws on Renault's history, referencing the Étoile Filante speed record prototype of 1956 and the 2025 electric concept car. The vehicle is manufactured at the Busan plant in South Korea, a facility central to Renault’s strategy for the Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

The exterior features an avant-garde style with a specific light signature and an aerodynamic stern. Inside, the cabin includes lounge seating, customisable lighting, and a sound system designed for audiophiles. The digital environment is supported by the My Renault app, which allows for remote vehicle control and transparent software updates.

The Filante introduces a suite of driving aids to the Renault range, including Emergency Steering Assist, a Smart Rearview Mirror and Child Presence Detection. These systems are integrated into a connected cockpit designed to provide a personalised experience for the driver and passengers.

The vehicle debuts an upgraded full hybrid E-Tech 250 ps powertrain. This system utilises a dual electric drive and a Multimode Auto gearbox to balance power with efficiency. The architecture, developed through the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, is optimised for hybrid performance to meet the targets of the 2027 International Game Plan, which aims for one in every three Renault sales outside Europe to be electrified.

Nicolas Paris, CEO, Renault Korea, said, “Renault Filante represents the best of what Renault group and Renault Korea can achieve together. Combining Renault's global DNA in design and innovation with the technical excellence of Renault Korea, it is backed by the advanced capabilities of the Korean automotive industry.”

Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer Renault Groupe, and CEO Renault Brand, added, "We are opening a new chapter in the Renault International Game Plan 2027, here in Korea which plays a central role in our global ambitions. After the launch of Grand Koleos in October 2024, we are now about to unveil another flagship for Korea: Filante, the fifth new-generation vehicle of our international plan, designed for markets beyond Europe. Today is an important milestone, because it proves one thing very clearly: we are sticking to our roadmap and delivering on our promises. Filante perfectly illustrates our approach, combining Renault's French DNA - emotional design, humanised technology and best in class electrified technology - with Korean excellence to meet local customer expectations."

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Avis Leasing to expand its Kia Lease Program.

The agreement represents Kia’s third partnership in the sector, following previous arrangements with Orix India and Ayvens India. The collaboration is intended to increase brand accessibility by offering mobility options that bypass traditional vehicle ownership.

The Kia Lease program targets customers with long-term requirements by providing tenures between 36 and 60 months with various mileage limits. The service allows users to access vehicles without an initial down payment. The monthly lease fee covers maintenance, insurance renewals and resale management, intended to provide a simplified experience for the user.

Under the terms of the agreement, customers have the option to return the vehicle or upgrade to a different Kia model at the conclusion of the contract. The initiative, which launched in 2024, aligns with shifting consumer preferences towards usage-based models rather than asset ownership. By integrating with established leasing firms, Kia aims to create a scalable platform that generates demand outside of standard retail sales.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice President - Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “At Kia India, we recognise the Leasing and Subscription space emerging as an important growth driver in the Indian auto industry. Our partnership with Avis Leasing reflects our efforts towards strengthening Kia Lease as a scalable platform that addresses evolving customer needs while creating incremental demand beyond traditional ownership. Through such collaborations, we aim to build a strong, sustainable mobility business aligned with our long-term growth strategy in India.”

Aman Naagar, Managing Director, Avis India, said, “We are pleased to partner with Kia India on a collaboration that reflects a shared commitment to redefining corporate mobility in India. By combining Kia’s future-ready product portfolio with AVIS India’s pan-India leasing and fleet management platform, we enable organisations to access scalable, flexible, and efficient mobility solutions aligned with their long-term business objectives. This partnership brings together two organisations with complementary strengths: Kia’s strong product innovation and AVIS India’s nationwide leasing and fleet management capabilities to build a modern mobility ecosystem that supports the evolving needs of corporate customers across India.”

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto has announced that its upcoming all-electric seven-seater flagship model will be named the Peaq.

The vehicle represents the series production version of the Vision 7S concept first introduced in 2022. The name is intended to signify the model’s position at the summit of the Czech manufacturer's vehicle portfolio.

The Peaq incorporates the brand’s Modern Solid design language, which focuses on sustainability and functional aesthetics. Engineered for families and travel, the interior features seven seats and focuses on space and practicality. The model integrates the company's ‘Simply Clever’ solutions and marks an expansion of the Skoda electric vehicle range.

The development of the Peaq follows the brand's shift toward a refined product identity. By bringing the Vision 7S concept into production, Skoda aims to provide a vehicle that balances work and leisure requirements. The flagship is designed to meet user-friendliness standards while utilising the company's latest electric platform technology.

Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, said, “With the Vision 7S, we entered new territory for Skoda, with a clear idea of how to elevate the brand. Since then, we have introduced a new design language and further refined our product identity. Now we are bringing this innovative vehicle concept to life. Our new flagship model takes our brand values of spaciousness and practicality to a whole new level. As of today, our bold vision for Skoda’s electric future has a name: Peaq - a clear statement of where this model belongs in our portfolio.”

The world premiere of the Skoda Peaq is scheduled for summer 2026. This launch will follow four years of development since the initial debut of the design direction.

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Honda Motor Co, has announced the adoption of a redesigned H mark as the symbol for its automobile business. The logo has represented Honda vehicles since 1963 and has undergone several modifications to reflect the company’s evolution.

The redesign coincides with the development of next-generation electric vehicles, including the Honda 0 Series. The company states that the design expression, resembling two outstretched hands, signifies its commitment to expanding mobility possibilities and meeting customer needs. The logo will be applied to electric and hybrid-electric models introduced from 2027.

Beyond vehicle badges, Honda will implement the mark across all automobile touchpoints. This includes dealership signage, communication materials, and motorsports activities. The transition marks what the company describes as its ‘second founding’ during the shift towards electrification and intelligent technologies.

By adopting this symbol, the manufacturer aims to lead the transformation of the automotive market. The move follows the strategy of utilising technology and ideas to move beyond conventional practices in vehicle production and branding.

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