RC Bhargava, president of Maruti Suzuki India, mourned the death of Suzuki Motor Corp's former charismatic leader Osamu Suzuki as someone “closer than a brother”.
In a statement, Bhargava wrote, “It is with the deepest personal sorrow that I learned of the passing of Osamu Suzuki-san. I believe that without his vision and foresight, his willingness to take risks that no one is willing to take, his deep and abiding love for India and his immense abilities as a teacher, the Indian automobile industry could not have become the powerhouse it is. It has been.”
Maruti Suzuki India Chairman believes that millions of people in this country are living better lives because of Osamu San. “He enjoyed the confidence of several prime ministers. He worked with the current Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi with a very close understanding.
“Osamu Suzuki's contribution to the Indian economy and to building bridges between India and Japan was recognized by the award of the Padma Bhushan. He will be missed by his countless admirers and benefactors in the country.
“I lost someone who was closer to me than a brother. He changed my life and showed that nationality is not an obstacle for people to build unbreakable trust in each other. He was my teacher, mentor and someone who stood by me even on my darkest days.
“If I played any role in the success of Maruti, it was because I was his student and he taught me how to grow a company and make it competitive. Osamu Sun arrived in Delhi in late July this year in poor health. He came to attend my 90th birthday. It was the most emotional event of my life. Little did I know that this would be the last time I would see him,” read Bhargava's statement.
“Osamu Suzuki 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 part of India's progress. May God give strength to his family to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
Statement from Maruti Suzuki India Limited
Maruti Suzuki is deeply saddened by the passing away of Osamu Suzuki, Senior Advisor of Suzuki Motor Corporation and Director and Honorary Chairman of Maruti Suzuki India Limited. O Suzuki was a visionary leader whose outstanding contributions shaped the global automotive industry.
In India, his vision and leadership helped establish Maruti Udyog Limited in 1981. With his vision, O Suzuki played a pivotal role in making India's dream of getting on wheels affordable, reliable, efficient and empowering millions of Indian families. Good quality vehicles, the company said in its announcement. Under his stewardship, the Indian automobile industry adopted globally recognized Japanese manufacturing and work practices for teamwork, productivity and cost effectiveness.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, business partners and colleagues at this sad time, the company said.
Osamu Suzuki, the former elite leader of Suzuki Motor Corp, transformed the Japanese carmaker into a global powerhouse with dominant success in the Indian car market.
While other Japanese automakers focused on entering the US and Chinese markets, Suzuki focused on producing small vehicles in Japan and small cars for emerging markets such as India, Southeast Asia, and Hungary. His focus on affordable, small vehicles established Suzuki's leadership in the Indian market, which it continues to this day.
He passed away on December 25 from malignant lymphoma and is survived by his wife and three children. He was 94.