Osamu Suzuki, Architect Of Iconic Maruti 800, Passes Away; Know How He Played A Game-Changing Role In India

New Delhi: The Maruti 800, a very popular small car, has a strong connection with India.

Osamu Suzuki, the man behind that connection, passed away on December 25 at the age of 94.

Osamu, former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation and a leading figure in the company’s rise as a global automotive leader, succumbed to lymphoma.

Born in Japan, Osamu Matsuda joined Suzuki Motor in 1958 after marrying into the founding family and adopted the surname Suzuki.

It was the start of a remarkable journey for Osamu, who was mainly instrumental in making the company a global name in small cars and motorcycles.

One of his most significant decisions was to ensure Suzuki’s entry into the Indian market in the 1980s. Suzuki partnered with Indian government to establish Maruti Udyog in 1982.

The iconic Maruti 800 was introduced a year later, and it proved to be a game-changer in India.

It revolutionised the Indian automobile market and helped establish Maruti Suzuki as the country’s leading carmaker — a position it continues to hold till date.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met Osamu several times as Gujarat CM and Indian PM, paid rich tributes, acknowledging his role in changing the Indian market.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Osamu Suzuki, a legendary figure in the global automotive industry. His visionary work reshaped global perceptions of mobility. Under his leadership, Suzuki Motor Corporation became a global powerhouse, successfully navigating challenges, driving innovation and expansion. He had a profound affection for India and his collaboration with Maruti revolutionised the Indian automobile market,” Modi posted on X, along with pictures of his various meetings with Osamu.

Osamu, who served as president for two terms, was the longest-serving head of a global automobile maker. Known for his innovative vision and strategic moves, including partnerships with General Motors and Volkswagen in North America and Europe, Osamu also faced challenges.

A fuel economy testing scandal in Japan led to his resignation as CEO in 2016, but he remained committed to the company, serving as an advisor in his later years.