Osamu Suzuki posthumously conferred with Padma Vibhushan

Suzuki was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Indian government in 2007.

Published On Jan 27, 2025 12:03:00 PM

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Osamu Suzuki, former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan – India's second-highest civilian honour. Suzuki passed away aged 94 on December 27, 2024, after being at the helm of the automobile giant for over 40 years. Back in 2007, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to the Indian economy. Notably, he was the only foreign national on the list of seven awardees.

The first Maruti 800 car was launched in 1983
Suzuki has a product and engineering sharing deal with Toyota

The Padma Awards are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. They are given in various disciplines and fields of activity such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.

All awards received by Osamu Suzuki
March 1985	Sitara-e-Pakistan, Pakistan
November 1987	Medal with Blue Ribbon, Japan
May 1993	Commander’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit, Hungary
May 2000	The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, Japan
November 2002	Inducted into Japan Automobile Hall of Fame
May 2004	Commander’s Cross with the Star of the Hungarian Order of Merit, Hungary
March 2007	Padma Bhushan, India
March 2020	Grand Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit, Hungary
January 2025	Padma Vibhushan, India (posthumous)

Maruti Suzuki is India’s largest car manufacturer

Osamu Suzuki was known for his conservative financial management and sharp focus on small, affordable vehicles. SMC entered into a joint venture with the Indian government in 1982, and this was followed by the launch of the first-generation Maruti 800 (SS80) a year later. In 2021, Suzuki stepped down as chairman, ending one of the longest leadership tenures in automotive history. As of December 2024, the JV held over 40 percent market share in passenger vehicles and 25 percent in utility vehicles.

Partnership with Toyota

He was instrumental in steering a partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation, a company with which Suzuki shared deep historical and personal ties. During the 1970s, Toyota bailed out Suzuki by providing engines that met new emissions norms enforced overnight in Japan. Their partnership has been crucial in India as well, a result of which are badge-engineered models like the Toyota Glanza and Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Additionally, the launch of the Maruti e Vitara will be followed by the debut of the Toyota Urban Cruiser EV later this year.

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Dr Pawan Goenka awarded Padma Shri on Republic Day

Osamu Suzuki (1930 - 2024)

Osamu Suzuki initiated into Motoring Hall of Fame