TOKYO — Osamu Suzuki, the legendary former leader of Suzuki Motor Corp., known for transforming the Japanese mini-vehicle manufacturer into a key player on the global stage, passed away, the company announced on Friday. He was 94 years old.

Suzuki was recognized for his straightforward approach and approachable demeanor, often referring to himself as an “old guy from a small to mid-size company.” Taking the helm as CEO in 1978, he guided Suzuki to become the first Japanese auto manufacturer to establish local production in India, where its vehicles gained immense popularity.

Born on January 30, 1930, as Osamu Matsuda, he began his career in the banking sector after graduating from Chuo University School of Law in Tokyo. In 1958, he joined Suzuki Motor, located in Hamamatsu, Japan. His entry was marked by his marriage to Shunzo Suzuki’s daughter, the president of the company at the time. In a common tradition, Matsuda adopted his wife’s surname.

In 1979, just a year into his presidency as Suzuki’s fourth company leader, he introduced a cost-effective minicar, which quickly became a sensation and was marketed worldwide. Under his leadership, Suzuki’s sales skyrocketed, exceeding ten times their previous figures to reach 3 trillion yen (approximately $19 billion) during the 2000s.

Suzuki also initiated strategic partnerships with automotive giants such as General Motors and Volkswagen AG as the industry evolved in the 2000s. In 2019, he established a capital alliance with Toyota Motor Corp. for the collaborative development of autonomous vehicles in response to fierce competition and rapid industrial changes.

While many Japanese automakers diversified their offerings in the U.S. and China, Suzuki remained focused on mini and compact cars, primarily targeting markets in South and Southeast Asia. He emphasized the necessity of understanding operations at a foundational level, stating in an interview, “Making good quality and low-priced products is the basis of manufacturing. We cannot lower costs while sitting in the offices of president or chairperson, so I have to be in a factory to understand the work and get ideas.”

Suzuki stepped down from his position as president in 2015 at the age of 85, passing the leadership to his son, Toshihiro Suzuki. After resigning as chairman in 2021, he continued to offer his expertise as a company advisor.

The company confirmed that Osamu Suzuki passed away on Wednesday due to malignant lymphoma.