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!

Japanese luxury car brand Lexus India has launched the self-charging hybrid ES 350h executive sedan, introducing the eighth-generation iteration of its core model line at prices starting INR 6.61 million for the Exquisite variant, going up to INR 7.18 million for the Luxury variant (ex-showroom).

Manufactured in India, the ES 350h shares its underlying platform with the battery-electric ES 500e and gets an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, an integrated power control unit eAxle and a lithium-ion battery pack. The IC-engine generates 139 kW at 6,000 rpm and 237 Nm of torque between 3,600 and 5,000 rpm, while the electric motor produces 119.1 kW. It achieves a claimed certified fuel efficiency rating of 25.22 kilometres per litre.

The ES 350h measures 5,145 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,575 mm in height, with a 2,950 mm wheelbase. On the outside, it gets daytime running lamps (DRL) integrated into turn indicators and rear lighting positioned on the outer body edges.

On the inside, the cabin features a 14.0-inch touchscreen multimedia interface and hidden switches built directly into the interior surfaces. Active safety features are provided through the Lexus Safety System+ suite, which includes pre-collision detection, radar cruise control, lane tracing assist and emergency braking systems.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said,"Today marks a significant milestone for Lexus in India as we launch the All-New ES 350h. Building on the immense success of its predecessors, this launch reflects our long-term commitment and continued efforts to deliver vehicles of world-class quality tailored to the needs of our guests in India. Manufactured in India, the All-New ES 350h embodies our multi-pathway approach to sustainable mobility, seamlessly blending advanced technology, exceptional ride quality, and luxury. Renowned for its Takumi craftsmanship and inspired by the spirit of Omotenashi hospitality, it offers an elevated experience defined by comfort, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail. As the lifestyles and landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to delivering vehicles that inspire confidence, enrich lifestyles, and contribute to a more sustainable future. We are confident that the All-New ES 350h will set new benchmarks in its segment, further strengthen the Lexus brand in India, and exceed the expectations of our guests."

The ES 350h comes with an eight-year or 200,000-kilometre warranty for both the car and its hybrid battery pack.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Stellantis India completed the delivery of 125 Citroen and Jeep vehicles to customers across Kerala to coincide with the Onam festival. The handover involved models from both brand portfolios across the company's regional dealership network.

The deliveries encompassed Citroen models including the Basalt, Aircross, C3 and e-C3, alongside Jeep vehicles including the Compass, Meridian and Wrangler.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director of Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "Onam is a festival that celebrates togetherness, prosperity and new beginnings, making it a particularly meaningful occasion for customers taking delivery of their new vehicles. We are delighted to celebrate this festive season with 125 Citroen and Jeep customers across Kerala as they begin a new chapter in their mobility journey. The overwhelming response reflects the trust customers place in our brands and our commitment to delivering products that resonate with diverse customer aspirations. Whether it is the adventurous spirit of Jeep or the comfort-centric philosophy of Citroën, both brands are united by a common focus on creating memorable ownership experiences."

The initiative was executed in partnership with local dealer networks across the state, incorporating specific delivery handovers for individual buyers during the holiday period. The volume of handovers reflects ongoing demand across both product lines, which target different vehicle market segments ranging from urban commuters to off-road users.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

JSW MG Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched the Hector Tomahawk, the first vehicle built on its Advanced Drive Architecture Platform Technology (ADAPT) platform, with prices starting at INR 1.39 million plus INR 4.90 per km Battery Rental for the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model.

The platform serves as the company's multi-new energy vehicle system in India, supporting both electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrains.

The Hector Tomahawk EV features a 69.2 kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor delivering 150 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque, yielding a certified range of 517 kilometres. The PHEV variant combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a dedicated hybrid transmission and a 20.5 kWh battery pack, offering a pure-electric range of over 115 kilometres and a combined range exceeding 1,100 kilometres. It also incorporates vehicle-to-home energy transfer capabilities.

The SUV measures 4,745 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,770 mm in height, with a 2,810 mm wheelbase and 230 mm of ground clearance at the battery. On the inside, it gets the largest in its segment, a 15.6-inch touchscreen display, an 8.8-inch multi-information display, a panoramic glass roof, Level 2 assistance systems and standard six airbags across all variants.

The Hector Tomahawk PHEV can be had for INR 2.17 million plus INR 3.20 rupees per kilometre battery rental.

For customers looking for an outright purchase, the Hector Tomahawk can be purchased for INR 1.94 million for the EV model and INR 2.56 million for the PHEV model. The deliveries will begin in September 2026 for the EV variant, while PHEV deliveries are scheduled to commence in November 2026.

Parth Jindal, Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, "The Hector Tomahawk represents a significant milestone in our journey toward building a sustainable mobility ecosystem in India. We remain focused on bringing the world's-best available technologies and environmentally responsible solutions to Indian consumers, while supporting the country's transition to cleaner transportation. The introduction of the Hector Tomahawk EV and the Hector Tomahawk PHEV, India's first plug in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)^, reflects our commitment to offering a diverse portfolio of new-age mobility solutions that address evolving customer needs and driving patterns.”

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, "The future of mobility will not be defined by a single technology solution but by providing customers the freedom to choose the pathway that best suits their needs. We recently introduced India's First Multi New Energy Vehicle Platform – ADAPT as the foundation for our next generation of products. Today, the Hector Tomahawk becomes the first SUV to bring that vision to life. By offering both EV and Plug-in Hybrid technologies, we are democratising sustainable mobility while addressing the diverse requirements of Indian consumers. The Hector Tomahawk combines intelligent technology, advanced safety, premium comfort and electrified performance, reaffirming our commitment to developing future-ready products for a rapidly evolving automotive landscape."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German luxury brand BMW Group-owned MINI India has launched Mod My MINI, a vehicle customisation programme for Cooper and Countryman models. The initiative enables owners to alter both new and existing vehicles through factory-supported upgrades.

The programme provides options to modify components, including the roof, mirror caps, spoilers and brake calipers. Customers can select from a catalogue featuring over 100 paint shades, thematic decals and original accessories, yielding up to 2.5 million potential configurations.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “MINI has never been just a mode of transport; it is a declaration of personal style. We firmly believe that no two MINIs on the road should look the same, which is why the 'Mod My MINI' programme puts the design canvas directly into the hands of our owners. True luxury is defined by the freedom to choose, and by offering this unprecedented tier of factory-backed customisation, we ensure that every driver can define their vehicle's identity entirely on their own terms. Ultimately, small changes drive a big personality, making your driving experience as completely unmatched as your fingerprint.”

Decals applied through the programme carry a 24-month warranty from the installation date. The service is available across MINI India’s 17 sales touchpoints in 16 cities, with vehicle servicing integrated into the broader BMW Group India network spanning 51 locations.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!