Suzuki Chairman Osamu Suzuki steps down after 40 years of service

Suzuki Motor Chairman Osamu Suzuki is set to step down after leading the Japanese automaker for more than 40 years. Notably, he was with the brand during its venture towards becoming one of the largest producers of compact cars in the world.

It was recently confirmed that the 91-year-old chairman will end his term this coming June. The decision came after Suzuki’s 100th year anniversary, which was celebrated in March of last year. Ozamu Suzuki joined the brand in 1958. 

During that time, the company was in the capable hands of his father-in-law, Shunzo Suzuki. Mr. Osamu, before entering the company, was part of the production control and business planning sector. Fast-forward to 1978 and he successfully became the president of Suzuki Motor Corporation.

It should be noted that in the past, Osamu Suzuki said that he would never retire. The chairman also said that his health isn’t a factor in the decision to step down. In fact, Osamu furthered that he played golf about 47 times just last year, affirming that he is in good health.. He also expressed how much he values his job.

Aside from announcing the exit of the iconic leader, future plans of the company were also elaborated. In the next five years, Suzuki will be investing one trillion Japanese Yen (or about P455-billion in Philippine Peso) for its electrification projects. 

The Japanese multinational company also plans to become carbon neutral, following the steps undertaken by automotive brands all over the world, in protecting the environment and addressing the climate crisis. The company will also be releasing electrified products starting 2025. In line with this,  Suzuki aims to achieve a 4.8-trillion Yen worth of sales by 2025, which should be garnered from its newly expanded electrified lineup. The said lineup is also seen and positioned to increase the company’s profit even further. The brand also aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 2050.