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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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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Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) concluded 2025 with its highest-ever domestic sales of 117,000 units, a record to date. This represents a 36 percent YoY volume growth, while cumulative sales, including exports, reached 159,500 units. During the year, the Group surpassed the milestone of producing 2 million vehicles in India.

The MQB-A0-IN platform, developed for the Indian market, serves as the foundation for all locally manufactured Skoda and Volkswagen models. The company also expanded its international operations, with cumulative exports exceeding 715,000 units. New markets in the GCC and ASEAN regions were entered as part of the Group’s strategy to establish India as a global production base.

Volkswagen maintained its position in the sedan category with the Virtus holding a 38 percent segment share, while the Golf GTI sold out shortly after its introduction. Skoda reported 107 percent growth albeit a low year ago base, supported by demand for the Kylaq and the return of the Octavia RS. To support the demand, the Group has increased its network to 700 touchpoints across its brands.

In the luxury and performance segments, Audi introduced the Q7 Signature Edition and the RSQ8 Performance. Lamborghini launched the Temerario and the Revuelto, while Porsche expanded to 13 points of sale. Bentley joined SAVWIPL as the sixth brand, opening dealerships in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi.

Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “2025 has been a year of purposeful and broad-based progress for us. What stands out is that our performance is rooted in consistent execution and long-term road map for India. The strength of our Make-in-India strategy – supported by deeper localisation, scale and a robust product pipeline – is visible across manufacturing, sales and exports. As we move into 2026, our priorities remain clear: expand our portfolio and widen our network in line with customer needs, while strengthening India’s role as a high-quality global manufacturing hub. The momentum of this year reinforces our belief that India will be an even larger contributor to the Group’s global growth journey.”

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) launched the new Tata Punch subcompact SUV at prices starting INR 559,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi) for the petrol MT Smart variant.

First introduced in 2021, the Punch SUV has been amongst the top-selling vehicles in the country, and currently is the best-seller for Tata Motors. In fact, the Punch SUV sales have crossed the 700,000-unit mark in just 4 years, which makes it amongst the fastest-selling models in the country.

The Punch SUV now features two new powertrain options: a 1.2-litre Turbocharged iTurbo Revotron engine provides a high power-to-weight ratio and a twin-cylinder iCNG technology paired with an AMT gearbox, a combination designed to balance efficiency with driver convenience.

The exterior of the new Punch includes an upright stance with a 3D front grille, LED headlamps and connected LED tail lamps. The cabin has been updated with a dashboard featuring ambient lighting, a 26.03 cm HD infotainment system, and a digital steering wheel.

For occupant comfort, the SUV includes seats with extended thigh support and a flat rear floor to increase legroom. Technical additions include a 65-Watt Type-C USB charger, rain-sensing wipers and a 360-degree HD surround view system.

The new Punch is built on the Alfa-Arc architecture using high-strength steel and includes over 95 safety features. Standard equipment across all variants includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and 3-point ELR seatbelts for all passengers. The vehicle holds a 5-star B-NCAP rating and includes hill hold and hill descent control for varied terrains.

The new Punch is offered in several personas including Smart, Pure, Adventure, and Accomplished.

(Prices in INR, ex-showroom New Delhi)

Shailesh Chandra, MD & CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “The Punch has always been a reflection of India’s evolving ambitions, democratising the SUV experience with a feature-rich package that earned it a place among India’s best-selling SUVs. The Punch gave India the freedom to explore long, stress-free, inter-city drives with its commanding position and confidence behind the wheel. Today, we have taken this experience to the next level. With the new Punch, we’ve redefined what an SUV in this segment can be – shaped by customer insights and engineered with new age technology at its core. It’s faster, smarter and safer, complemented by a bold, muscular stance with the confidence to truly Command Max."

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