Osamu Suzuki’s Death in the recent past due to Malignant Lymphoma has marked the end of a legacy only few are aware of. Osamu Suzuki was not just a integral part of Suzuki’s progress to become a global leader but also a driving force behind the Budding Indian Automotive Industry at the Time. Here is a in depth look on how Mr. Suzuki was able to single handedly positively impact the Auto Industry of India.
Osamu Suzuki and The 800 Story
The story starts with the need of a national vehicle, a peoples car for the masses of the nation. Sanjay Gandhi, and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi were after the idea of having a Indian people’s car for a long time. While India was a emerging icon our balance of payments and other indicators were not profoundly indicative of a big market for global manufacturers.
It was Osamu Suzuki who took the initiative, he recognized the potential of the budding nation and took a gamble. He accepted to sign a Joint venture with the Indian Government to lay the foundation of Maruti Udyog Limited.
This was a move that most global manufacturers would have considered to be Perilous. Most manufacturers considered our closed economy before the liberalization to be a major issue and hence shied away from investing in the Nation.
Osamu Suzuki’s foresight of the potential of 800 in a budding nation like ours led to the initiation of a global multinational that still holds a market share majority in India.
Success of Maruti 800
The Indian masses considered the 800 to be a symbol of prosperity. The car became a instant hit and holds a significant place in the History of Suzuki in India. The ability of Osamu Suzuki to witness the potential of nation that was en-route to become a global power led to the development of a profound auto industry in India.
Osamu’s Passion for Cost Efficiency
Being from a Humble background Osamu understood the value of money. He believed in Low- Cost manufacturing which further became the ideology that led Suzuki to the success it has today.
Osamu was the fourth Son born in a farming family and he aspired to be a politician. The hardworking nature of Osamu led him to work in junior high school as a teacher as well as a Night Guard while completing his college degree at the Chua University in Tokyo. Osamu also worked in a bank before joining Suzuki after his marriage.
It was his marriage to Shoko Suzuki that led him into managing Suzuki, he married the Granddaughter of Michio Suzuki the founder of Suzuki. Following the Japanese tradition Osamu took the surname of his wife since there were no male heirs to the family Business.
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