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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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles expects to sustain double-digit growth of around 12-13 percent in FY2027, supported by strong demand across its portfolio, increasing penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) and CNG models, and an expanding product line-up. However, the company expects growth to moderate in the second half of the financial year as the industry navigates a high year-on-year base.

Speaking during the company's Q2 FY2027 earnings conference call, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said the Indian passenger vehicle industry had registered 29 percent YoY growth, with absolute volumes expected to remain strong despite some moderation in growth rates.

Tata Motors recorded its highest-ever quarterly passenger vehicle volumes of approximately 200,000 units during Q2 FY2027, registering 40 percent YoY growth and securing a domestic market share of 14.3 percent. The company also reported market share of 14.8 percent in October 2026, with sales exceeding 75,000 units.

The Tata Punch emerged as the highest-selling passenger vehicle model in the industry during the quarter, while the Punch and Nexon both featured among the top five models. The recently launched Tata Aeris has also received an encouraging market response, adding to the company's growth momentum.

Chandra emphasised that the company's growth was being driven by demand across its portfolio rather than aggressive market-share acquisition. "We are not trying to buy market share; we are just trying to fulfil the demand, which exceeds supply," he said.

Green powertrains are becoming increasingly important to Tata Motors' passenger vehicle business, with EVs and CNG vehicles together accounting for approximately 50 percent of its sales.

The company's EV market share stood at 43 percent despite intensifying competition and the entry of almost all major automotive manufacturers into the segment. Chandra attributed the broader expansion of the EV market to improving product offerings, longer driving ranges, stronger warranty coverage and supportive regulations.

Tata Motors expects EV penetration to increase further as production capacity improves. The company currently has only around 10 days of EV inventory, reflecting demand that continues to outpace supply. Its EV production is expected to increase to nearly 20,000 units over the next two to three months, compared with approximately 9,000 units in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Chandra indicated that capacity constraints had prevented the company from fully capitalising on EV demand, with all manufacturing facilities operating at full capacity. The company estimates that it is currently addressing only around 60-65 percent of the demand-supply gap.

CNG is another significant growth driver. Industry CNG penetration has reached approximately 25 percent, with CNG passenger vehicle volumes growing around 70 percent. Increasing OEM participation, a wider choice of products and the expansion of the CNG refuelling network, which has reached approximately 9,000 stations, are supporting adoption.

Tata Motors has also witnessed its highest-ever quarterly CNG volumes. The company believes the segment has further headroom for growth, although supply constraints remain a limiting factor.

Supply chain remain priorities

With demand continuing to exceed supply in several segments, Tata Motors is focusing on improving production capabilities and addressing supply chain constraints.

The company acknowledged some pressure on semiconductor availability but said it had managed to secure supplies at higher costs without losing production. Supply-side challenges are also being addressed through capacity ramp-ups, particularly for electric vehicles.

Rural markets have emerged as another area of strength. Rural retail sales currently account for approximately 44-45 percent of Tata Motors' passenger vehicle sales, with recent growth in rural markets marginally outpacing urban demand. Chandra attributed this partly to the company's expansion of its reach in these markets.

The company expects the Indian passenger vehicle market to maintain healthy absolute volumes, although the 29 percent industry growth recorded in the second quarter is unlikely to be sustained at the same rate because of the elevated base.

Commodity inflation puts margins under pressure

Despite strong volume growth, profitability remains under pressure from rising commodity prices, foreign exchange movements and supply chain costs.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles reported its highest-ever quarterly revenue of approximately INR 204 billion, up 50 percent YoY, while profit before tax was around breakeven. The company also highlighted the impact of commodity inflation, particularly in steel, rubber, copper and precious metals.

Chandra said the company had exercised financial discipline through the first two quarters, absorbing significant cost increases while avoiding large price hikes. It is assessing which commodity cost increases are structural and which could moderate over time.

Dhiman Gupta, CFO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said approximately 40 percent of the cost impact had been offset through price increases and cost-reduction initiatives, with the balance absorbed through the profit and loss account. The company continues to monitor the situation and has not ruled out further price increases if required.

Chandra indicated that Tata Motors could consider another price hike in Q4 FY2027, depending on the trajectory of input costs. However, the company intends to take a measured approach rather than passing on temporary cost increases through immediate price adjustments.

He also noted that the company did not foresee an immediate discounting environment, given that dealer inventory remained below 30 days.

JLR maintains investment roadmap amid global challenges

Jaguar Land Rover continues to pursue its 5-year investment plan despite a challenging operating environment. Richard Molyneux, Chief Financial Officer, JLR, said the company had revised its FY2027 EBIT margin guidance to 2-3 percent and expected to be marginally cash-positive in the second half of the financial year.

The company is progressing with the production and ramp-up of the Range Rover Electric and Range Rover Sport Electric. The Range Rover GT is expected in early calendar year 2027, followed by the Jaguar Type 01 in FY2028 (calendar year 2027).

Molyneux said the revised guidance factored in the challenges anticipated by the company while maintaining its planned product introduction schedule.

China remains a concern for JLR, reflecting broader challenges faced by Western automotive manufacturers in the market. The company is actively reviewing its China strategy, with a focus on managing dealer inventories and avoiding excessive discounting to protect market positioning.

Demand visibility remains strong

For Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, the immediate priority is to convert strong demand into sales through improved production capacity, particularly in EVs and CNG vehicles, while managing rising input costs.

Chandra reiterated the company's expectation of 12-13 percent growth in FY2027, with a stronger first half followed by a more moderate second half because of the high comparative base. With EV and CNG adoption gaining momentum, the company expects green powertrains to play an increasingly significant role in its growth strategy.

The ability to ramp up production, manage commodity inflation and maintain pricing discipline will be critical to translating the current demand momentum into sustainable growth and improved profitability.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has announced its financial results for Q2 FY2027, reporting consolidated revenue of INR 969.2 billion, representing a 34 percent YoY growth. Consolidated EBITDA reached 6.2 percent with an EBIT margin of 1.1 percent, while profit before tax, before exceptional items, stood at INR 4.03 billion.

During the quarter, the company incurred an exceptional expenditure of INR 67 billion for employee separation costs and asset impairments.

In Q2 FY2027, Tata Motors’ domestic passenger vehicles business recorded its highest quarterly revenue at INR 204.23 billion, up 51 percent YoY, driven by a 40 percent volume growth. Electric vehicle volumes grew 90 percent YoY, pushing alternative powertrains past 50 percent penetration, with electric vehicles accounting for 23 percent and compressed natural gas (CNG) models at 28 percent. The domestic unit registered an EBITDA margin of 4 percent and an EBIT margin of -0.3 percent, affected by commodity costs and foreign exchange pressures, while generating a positive free cash flow of INR 8.25 billion.

Tata Motors-owned British marquee luxury brand Jaguar Land Rover reported revenue of GBP 5.9 billion, a 20.3 percent increase YoY, supported by wholesale volume recovery following cyber incidents in the previous year.

Jaguar Land Rover posted an EBITDA margin of 6.6 percent and an adjusted EBIT margin of 1.1 percent, with a profit before tax and exceptional items of GBP 6 million. During the quarter, Jaguar Land Rover unveiled three luxury electric vehicles – the Range Rover Electric, Range Rover Sport Electric, and the Jaguar Type 01 – built in the United Kingdom, alongside restructuring provisions of GBP 530 million and a free cash outflow of GBP 540 million.

Dhiman Gupta, CFO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “In Q2 FY27 TMPV continued to build on its strong momentum in the domestic business, while JLR delivered resilient volumes despite global market specific challenges and wind-down of previous Jaguar models. However, adverse mix and persistent commodity pressures weighed on margins. Both businesses remain fundamentally strong, and we stay focused on executing our medium-term priorities: driving growth through new launches, accelerating cost reductions and improving cash generation.”

PB Balaji, CEO, Jaguar Land Rover, said, “JLR delivered positive operating profits in the second quarter and first half of the financial year, despite ongoing global challenges. We launched three new products: Range Rover Electric, Range Rover Sport Electric and the show stopping Jaguar Type 01 at a world premiere in New York. With the proposed arrival of Range Rover GT and a new electric Defender product in the new year, we are entering a phase of exciting product launches. This, together with our growth plans for the US and disciplined execution of the Enterprise Missions to reduce our breakeven volumes to 300k units, positions us well to deliver consistent, cash-accretive growth in the coming years. I would like to thank all our people, supply chain and retail partners for their continued support.”

Shailesh Chandra, MD and CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “Q2 FY27 was another quarter of strong execution for Tata Motors PV, with record quarterly sales of 200k+ units and industry-beating growth of 40% YoY reflecting robust customer demand across our portfolio. We maintained our leadership in electric mobility, recording industry-beating growth of 90 percent YoY in EV sales. Building on the momentum of our Q1 launches, we further strengthened our portfolio with new launchings including the all-new Tata Aeris. We also unveiled our new customer-facing identity, TATA.CARS, reflecting the evolution of our brand in step with the aspirations of today's Indian car buyer. We registered a Y-o-Y revenue growth of 51 percent and our highest ever quarterly revenues of INR 204 billion in Q2FY27. While steep commodity cost pressures remained a headwind, we responded through calibrated pricing and focused cost actions. Looking ahead, we remain focused on sustaining industry-beating growth, capitalizing on growing EV-penetration, ramping up production capacity and strengthening profitability.”

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European auto major Stellantis recognised 61 suppliers from around the world on 10 November at its sixth annual Global Supplier Conference and Awards held at the Masonic Temple in Detroit.

During the event, 21 companies were named 2026 Suppliers of the Year, while 40 companies received recognition across categories covering materials, quality, innovation, programme management, corporate social responsibility, carbon reduction and value creation.

The conference brought together more than 1,000 supplier representatives and members of the Stellantis leadership team. Executives outlined priorities around programme launch execution, technologies, supplier engagement in design and quality standards to support the FaSTLAne 2030 strategy, alongside a presentation on Jeep brand strategy and the company's ties to the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram brands in Detroit.

A cross-functional Stellantis team selected the recipients based on quality, delivery, innovation, operational and financial metrics, corporate social responsibility and competitiveness.

Antonio Filosa, CEO, Stellantis, said, “Delivering on our strategy requires us to move faster, innovate smarter and execute with excellence. Our suppliers are essential partners in this journey, helping us bring great products to market, strengthen our competitiveness and create greater value for our customers. Congratulations to all this year’s award winners, and thank you to our global supplier community for your partnership and continued commitment.”

Monica Genovese, Chief Purchasing Officer, Stellantis, said, “Strong supplier partnerships are built on trust, performance and continuous improvement. This year’s honourees distinguished themselves through their ability to deliver quality, innovation and value in a dynamic environment. Their performance strengthens our competitiveness and helps us create better outcomes for our customers.”

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Nissan Motor India (NMIPL), a leading manufacturer of passenger vehicles in the country, is observing World Quality Month across its network of 315 sales and service touchpoints during November 2026.

The campaign operates under the theme 'Unmistakable Quality. Every Customer. Every Vehicle. Every Time.' and centres on the operational principle of 'Fix It Right the First Time' to standardise repair processes and aftersales support across dealerships.

The programme is structured around four weekly pillars covering environment, personnel, customer experience and repair quality.

Activities throughout the month include workshop standard audits, technical training programmes for service personnel, customer education workshops, vehicle health check-up camps and feedback collection mechanisms aimed at verifying service quality across the network.

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