Suzuki Motor Corp. mourns the loss of its visionary leader, Osamu Suzuki, who left behind a legacy of leadership and innovation that transformed the Japanese mini-vehicle maker into a globally competitive company.
A Legacy of Leadership: Osamu Suzuki’s Impact on Suzuki Motor Corp.
Osamu Suzuki, the charismatic former boss of Suzuki Motor Corp., has passed away at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and innovation that transformed the Japanese mini-vehicle maker into a globally competitive company.
From Banking to Automotive Industry
Born on January 30, 1930, as Osamu Matsuda, Suzuki worked in banking after graduating from Tokyo’s Chuo University School of Law. He joined Suzuki Motor in 1958, when he married a daughter of the company’s then-president Shunzo Suzuki, who belonged to the company’s founding family. As is sometimes the custom in such situations, Matsuda adopted his wife’s maiden name.
Transforming Suzuki Motor Corp.
In 1979, a year after he became Suzuki Motor’s fourth company president, he launched an affordable minicar that became a big hit and was promoted to world markets. Under Suzuki’s leadership, the company’s sales grew more than tenfold to 3 trillion yen ($19 billion) in the 2000s.
Global Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
Suzuki also led business tie-ups with other global leaders such as General Motors and Volkswagen AG in the 2000s. Amid intensifying competition and industrial transformation, Suzuki formed a capital alliance with Toyota Motor Corp. in 2019 to co-develop self-driving vehicles.
While other Japanese automakers have expanded in the U.S. and Chinese markets, offering a wide range of vehicles, Suzuki has stuck with mini and compact cars, mostly in South and Southeast Asia. This strategic approach allowed Suzuki to differentiate itself from its competitors and tap into emerging markets.
A Philosophy of Understanding
Suzuki stressed the importance of understanding the grassroots level. “Making good quality and low-price products is the basis of manufacturing,” he once told an interview with the broadcaster NHK television. “We cannot lower costs while sitting in the offices of president or chairperson, so I have to be in a factory to understand the work and get ideas.”
A Lasting Impact
Suzuki stepped down as president at age 85 in 2015, handing the post to his son, Toshihiro Suzuki. He served as an advisor to the company after resigning as chairman in 2021. The company’s statement announcing Suzuki’s passing described him as a “charismatic leader” who helped turn the company into a globally competitive entity.
Suzuki’s legacy is a testament to his vision, leadership, and commitment to innovation. His impact on Suzuki Motor Corp. will be remembered for generations to come, inspiring future leaders to follow in his footsteps.
