Suzuki Motor Corporation and Maruti Suzuki India Ltd have announced the creation of the Osamu Suzuki Centre of Excellence (OSCOE) in India. The initiative was unveiled on April 23, 2025, at a memorial event held at Yashobhoomi in Delhi, honoring the life and legacy of Osamu Suzuki, the former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, who passed away on December 25, 2024.
The OSCOE will be established in both Gujarat and Haryana, with the goal of promoting Japanese manufacturing principles that have played a key role in building competitiveness in the automotive industry. The centre will also work towards creating a fairer society by supporting India’s industrial growth, enhancing quality among parts suppliers, and launching joint programs with academic institutions.
Beyond the auto sector, the centre is expected to extend its efforts to other areas of manufacturing, reflecting Osamu Suzuki’s broader vision for business and society.
Osamu Suzuki, born on January 30, 1930, was a central figure in transforming car ownership in India, making it more accessible to ordinary families and helping position India as a major car production hub. After graduating from Chuo University in 1953, he joined Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1958 and eventually led the company for decades.
Over his lifetime, Suzuki received numerous honors, including India’s Padma Bhushan in 2007 and the Padma Vibhushan posthumously in 2025, along with Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun and recognitions from Hungary.
Maruti Suzuki, formed as a joint venture between Suzuki Motor and the Indian government in the early 1980s, changed the face of personal transportation in India with affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles. The company has held a dominant position in the country’s passenger car market ever since. Maruti Suzuki is one of India’s leading automobile manufacturers, renowned for producing a wide range of affordable and reliable vehicles. A subsidiary of the Japanese automaker Suzuki, Maruti Suzuki has established itself as a household name in India since its inception in 1981.
The company is known for offering a diverse portfolio of cars, from compact hatchbacks to sedans and SUVs, catering to various customer preferences and budgets. Maruti Suzuki has played a significant role in making car ownership accessible to millions of Indians, with its focus on fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and strong after-sales service. With an extensive network of dealerships and service centers across the country, Maruti Suzuki continues to dominate the Indian automotive market while also expanding its presence globally.