Suzuki chairman Osamu Suzuki has announced he will retire in June after heading the carmaker for more than four decades, Reuters reports. The 91-year-old is stepping aside for a new leader to navigate the company towards a shift to electric cars.
His son Toshihiro Suzuki is already president and CEO of the company. The younger Suzuki was appointed to the position of president and COO back in 2015, and in 2016 was named as CEO when Osamu Suzuki stepped down from the post to take responsibility for the firm’s use of incorrect testing methods to calculate fuel economy, but remained as chairman.
Suzuki joined the automaker in 1958, became president in 1978 and doubled as chairman in 2000. During his tenure, the company solidified its presence as a leading maker of compact cars, and in 1983 he spearheaded the company’s decision to enter India, now one of its largest markets.
At a media briefing last week, Osamu said he decided to retire after the company welcomed its 100th anniversary last year and approved its new management plan. He will still have a link with the company, as he will be appointed as senior adviser upon retirement.
At the event, the automaker also announced that it will be investing one trillion yen (RM38.05 billion), mostly on electrification technology, over the next five years. Toshihiro Suzuki said the company needed to respond to a global push towards lower emissions. “Carbon neutral is the focus now. Suzuki must not fall behind this global trend,” he said.
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Dear Osamu Suzuki-san who gave DRB Proton a golden chance to make compact and small cars from Suzuki. But Suzuki got backstabbed by the cunning and lazy partner instead. All the best, sayonara Osamu Suzuki-san. Banzai!
DRB didnt backstab Suzuki, as they have poor product range to begin with. selling 1st gen swift and sx4 with poor FC, while Honda is selling Jazz and City at much better package. later the 2nd gen swift was sold with just 1 airbag – driver’s side (what a joke). blame Suzuki for failing to work harder for our market.
What the h…? There are issues here, that might take some time to untangle :P
With the retirement, Suzuki must decide whether to continue selling the same old design (updated) of their cars (ie. Swift) or quit. The motorcycles aren’t doing that well either except for their halo models (GSX1000RR) – otherwise, same boring designs
no.1 brand in India!! never mind the Maruti badge.. they are all suzukis and royalties paid.
My suzuki swift is a nice car and economical but the spare part price like BMW. Adui. What are you smoking Mr Suzuki? You better retire fast