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

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Czech automaker Skoda Auto has released the initial exterior sketches of its upcoming flagship electric vehicle, the Skoda Peaq. The seven-seater SUV marks a new design direction for the brand, utilising clean surfaces, structured details and signature electric vehicle styling cues.

The world premiere of the new flagship SUV is scheduled to take place in Monnetier-Mornex, France, at 18:25 on 23 June 2026.

The exterior of the Peaq represents a consistent application of Skoda's new ‘Modern Solid’ design framework. The aesthetic balances rugged proportions with minimalist, aerodynamic elements tailored for the electric era.

The front features slender, T-shaped headlights and a gloss-black ‘Tech-Deck Face’. A connecting element runs between the assemblies to form a frame-like loop motif, which contrasts against a pronounced, volcano-shaped lower bumper.

The side profile is dominated by a high shoulder line and wide D-pillars to emphasise a wide, stable stance. The sketches also reveal flush door handles seamlessly integrated into the structured body panels to optimise aerodynamic efficiency.

At the rear, the Skoda Peaq echoes the front design language with matching T-shaped taillights and a unified connecting element, establishing a cohesive loop motif that serves as a distinct visual signature.

Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design, Skoda Auto, said, “In designing the exterior of the Skoda Peaq, we consistently applied the Modern Solid design language, combining clean lines, balanced proportions and distinctive elements. Precisely sculpted surfaces and clearly structured details create a confident, timeless presence, while signature features such as the T-shaped headlights and Tech-Deck Face express Skoda’s identity in a new electric era.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Honda India Foundation (HIF) has inaugurated a new Driving Practice Zone (DPZ) in Mahendragarh, marking the first facility of its kind in the state of Haryana. The community infrastructure project is designed to provide aspiring drivers with a safe, structured environment to practice driving skills and undergo essential road safety training. The facility will be fully accessible and open to the general public free of cost.

The project targets a prominent infrastructure gap common in Tier II and Tier III towns, where a lack of formal, dedicated driving enclosures often compels learners to practice on public roads, escalating safety risks for themselves and other commuters.

The newly opened Driving Practice Zone incorporates both practical and academic training spaces to build comprehensive driver competency before individuals transition to public roads –

• Dedicated Practice Tracks: Specially engineered tracks to help learner drivers systematically build vehicle control, operational confidence, and manoeuvring skills.
• Theoretical Classroom: A dedicated indoor learning space utilised for theoretical instructional sessions, focused on enhancing traffic rule compliance and general road awareness.

Vinay Dhingra, Trustee of the Honda India Foundation, said, “Road safety begins with access to the right training environment. Through this Driving Practice Zone, we aim to provide learner drivers with a safe, structured space to build driving skills, improve awareness and develop responsible road behaviour before they begin driving on public roads. This initiative reflects our continued commitment to making road safety training more accessible at the community level.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the launch of its popular new Innova Crysta in India. The updated multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) introduces targeted design updates and added cabin convenience features while preserving the foundational mechanical architecture of the long-running Innova brand.

The introduction follows a legacy spanning over two decades in the Indian market, where the Innova brand has achieved cumulative sales exceeding 1.3 million units.

The new Innova Crysta features subtle exterior and interior design revisions aimed at providing a contemporary, premium aesthetic without altering the vehicle's familiar silhouette.

On the outside, the front profile receives a newly styled radiator grille and updated front bumper garnish. The rear profile has been updated with refreshed bumper garnish elements to enhance visual solidity.

The interior introduces new dual-tone leather seat upholstery alongside updated trim finishes. The instrument panel, door trims and bezels feature ‘Grace Copper’ and wood-pattern highlights. Additionally, the AC controls, switches and rear seat-back table incorporate refined detailing to improve perceived quality. Functional additions to the feature list include a wireless smartphone charger and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The vehicle retains Toyota's established mechanical layout, optimised for low-end torque and long-distance drivability.

The Innova Cysta is powered exclusively by a 2.4-litre diesel engine paired with a manual transmission. The powertrain configuration delivers a certified fuel efficiency of up to 15 kmpl.

It gets up to seven airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control and Hill Start Assist Control for safety.

The MPV is backed by a standard warranty of 3 years/100,000 km (extendable up to 5 years/220,000 km), supported by 24x7 roadside assistance and flexible retail finance options.

The new Innova Crysta is available in five colour options – Platinum White Pearl, Super White, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic. It is structured across both 7-seater (7S) and 8-seater (8S) configurations with prices starting at INR 1.97 million up to INR 2.66 million for the top-end variant (ex-showroom).

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Having sold over 1.3 million units of brand Innova, the Innova Crysta has set unmatched benchmarks in the MPV segment through its two-decade legacy of reliability, comfort, and value. The refreshed New Innova Crysta introduces subtle yet meaningful updates, bringing a renewed sense of freshness while retaining the unrivalled qualities customers value most. Guided by continuous improvement and customer-centric innovation, we remain committed to delivering trusted mobility for every stage of life.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Nissan Motor India (NMIPL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced its sales performance for May 2026, recording a 118 percent YoY growth in domestic sales, albeit a low-year-ago base.

The company reported 2,948 units wholesales last month, which also marked its third consecutive month of YoY growth, signalling sustained sales momentum in the Indian market.

Interestingly, the company’s total sales for May 2026 came at 7,971 units, which includes 2,948 units in the domestic market and 5,023 units shipped to international markets during the month.

The company said its domestic sales trajectory was driven by customer interest across Nissan's updated India lineup, including the Gravite and Magnite SUVs. It is currently preparing for the upcoming World Premiere of the Nissan Tekton, which is part of Nissan's broader strategy to diversify its product portfolio and expand its network footprint across India.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “Our third consecutive month of year-on-year domestic sales growth is an encouraging reflection of the trust customers continue to place in Nissan. The response to the all-new Nissan Gravite, along with the continued strength of the Nissan Magnite, including the growing adoption of our CNG offerings, gives us confidence in our India strategy. As we gear up for the World Premiere of the Nissan Tekton, our focus remains on expanding our network footprint, enhancing accessibility, and delivering a stronger customer experience across the country.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!