On April 28, 2025, Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, posthumously conferred the Padma Vibhushan on Mr. Osamu Suzuki, Former Chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation and Former Director & Honorary Chairman of Maruti Suzuki India Limited. The ceremony took place at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.
Mr. Suzuki was recognized for his extraordinary contributions to trade and industry, particularly his pivotal role in shaping India’s automotive landscape over four decades. The award was received on his behalf by his son, Mr. Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation.
Expressing gratitude, Mr. Toshihiro Suzuki said, “I’m deeply honoured to accept this prestigious award on behalf of my father. From heaven, he must be fondly remembering his 45-year journey with India, his second home. This recognition is shared with all employees of Suzuki, Maruti Suzuki, and our business partners who made this journey possible.”
He added, “This award reflects the love of the Indian people towards Suzuki. We, at Team Suzuki, will honour Osamu Suzuki’s legacy by continuing to deliver inclusive and sustainable mobility solutions for India.”
Under Mr. Osamu Suzuki’s visionary leadership, Maruti Suzuki grew from an annual capacity of 1 lakh units in 1983 to 2 million units by 2024, with cumulative production reaching 30 million vehicles and exports crossing 3 million units. Contributing 43% of India’s passenger vehicle exports today, Mr. Suzuki was instrumental in making car ownership accessible to India’s middle class and positioning the country as a global auto manufacturing hub. A law graduate from Chuo University, he joined Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1958 and played a transformative role in its global growth.
