Osamu Suzuki, former Chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation and former Director & Honorary Chairman of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his contributions to trade and industry. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu during a formal ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhawan on April 28.
Accepting the award on behalf of his late father, Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, expressed gratitude towards the Indian government and acknowledged the deep connection Osamu Suzuki shared with India over four decades. “I believe he is, from heaven, looking back fondly on the 45 years he spent with India, his second home,” he remarked.
He also credited the milestone to all employees and business partners of Suzuki and Maruti Suzuki, adding that the award reflects the trust and affection of Indian consumers. “We, at Team Suzuki, will carry forward the commitment of Osamu Suzuki with the same passion to bring inclusive and sustainable mobility solutions that will be loved by the people of India,” he said.
Under Osamu Suzuki’s leadership, Maruti Suzuki grew from producing 100,000 vehicles annually in 1983 to an annual output of 2 million units by 2024. The company also reached a cumulative production milestone of 30 million vehicles. Maruti Suzuki currently accounts for nearly 43% of all passenger vehicle exports from India.
Born on January 30, 1930, and having passed away on December 25, 2024, Osamu Suzuki was known for making car ownership affordable for India’s middle class and for positioning the country as a key player in the global automotive industry. A graduate of Chuo University’s Faculty of Law, he joined Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1958 and went on to serve in several leadership roles.
Over the years, he was recognized with several awards, including Japan’s Medal with Blue Ribbon (1987), the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star (2000), and India’s Padma Bhushan in 2007. In 2024, he was conferred the Senior Fourth Rank in Japan.