Suzuki, the historic CEO of the Japanese car brand, dies

Osamu Suzuki, historic president and CEO of the Japanese automotive group of the same name, has died at the age of 94. The company itself made this known. The man, who died due to a lymphomahad joined the group in 1958 and was among the proponents of the brand’s entry into the light vehicle segment and penetration into the Indian market.

Born Osamu Matsuda in 1930, the future head of the company later married Shoko Suzuki, granddaughter of the founder, whose surname he took. Having become director of the group in 1978, it was under his watchful eye that Suzuki entered the market for ‘Keicars’, the typically Japanese minicars with dimensions and power fixed by law, which today represent 36% of vehicle sales overall Japan. Suzuki regained first place in this segment last year, overtaking compatriot Daihatsu for the first time in 18 years.

Osamu Suzuki also tried to create alliances with two of the largest manufacturers in the world, Volkswagen and General Motors, but without success. Suzuki handed over the role of CEO to his son Toshihiro in 2015, only to abandon his other roles within the company the following year, in addition to that of chairman of the board of directors in 2021.