Visionary who led Suzuki into India and helped transform auto industry

Osamu Suzuki, the charismatic former boss of Suzuki Motor Corp, who helped turn the Japanese vehicle maker into a globally competitive company and played a key role in turning India into a flourishing auto market, has died aged 94.

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He passed away on Wednesday of lymphoma, said the company, which he steered ambitiously, during his time as either chief executive or chairman for over four decades.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Osamu Suzuki, a legendary figure in the global automotive industry... He had a profound affection for India and his collaboration with Maruti revolutionised the Indian automobile market," Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X.

Born Osamu Matsuda, Suzuki took his wife's family name through adoption in a practice common among Japanese families lacking a male heir.

The former banker joined the company founded by her grandfather in 1958 and worked upwards through the ranks to become president two decades later.