Osamu Suzuki, former Chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation and former Director and Honorary Chairman of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan by the President of India on 28 April 2025. The award recognises his contribution to the development of India’s automotive manufacturing sector over a span of more than four decades.
Under Osamu Suzuki’s leadership, Maruti Suzuki grew from an annual production capacity of 100,000 units in 1983 to reaching a cumulative output of 30 million vehicles. In 2024, the company achieved an annual production milestone of 2 million units. His tenure also saw the expansion of exports from India, which began in the 1980s and crossed 3 million units cumulatively. As of 2024, Maruti Suzuki accounted for around 43% of India’s total passenger vehicle exports.
Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, accepted the award on behalf of his late father. “I have just received this high-level award on his behalf, and I am deeply honoured. I believe he is, from heaven, looking back fondly on the 45 years he spent with India, his second home,” he said. He added, “This award goes not only to my father, but also to all the people who have worked at Suzuki, Maruti Suzuki and all our business partners, who have supported us in this journey.”
Born in 1930, Osamu Suzuki graduated in law from Chuo University and joined Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1958. He held several leadership roles during his career and played a central role in shaping Suzuki’s international strategy, including the company’s early investment in India’s automobile sector through Maruti.
Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japan-based automobile manufacturer. Maruti Suzuki India Limited, its Indian subsidiary, is engaged in the production and export of passenger vehicles.
