Suzuki and Maruti Launch Osamu Suzuki Centre of Excellence to Strengthen India’s Manufacturing and Industry!

Suzuki Motor Corporation, in partnership with Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, has announced the creation of the Osamu Suzuki Centre of Excellence (OSCOE) in India, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing manufacturing excellence and promoting Japanese principles in the Indian automotive industry. The announcement was made during a memorial event held on April 23, 2025, at Yashobhoomi in Delhi, dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of Osamu Suzuki, the former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, who passed away on December 25, 2024.

The creation of OSCOE stands as a tribute to Osamu Suzuki’s transformative influence in the automotive sector, particularly his monumental role in revolutionizing car ownership in India and making it more accessible to the common people. His leadership at Suzuki Motor Corporation helped establish India as a major car production hub, and his vision extended beyond just the automotive industry. The centre will carry forward his legacy by promoting not only best practices in automotive manufacturing but also fostering growth in other sectors of manufacturing within India.

Born on January 30, 1930, Osamu Suzuki’s contributions to the automotive industry are immeasurable. After joining Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1958 and leading the company for several decades, he reshaped the global automotive landscape. Recognized for his exceptional contributions, he was awarded India’s Padma Bhushan in 2007 and was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2025. His accolades also include Japan’s prestigious Order of the Rising Sun and other recognitions from various nations, including Hungary.

The OSCOE will be strategically established in Gujarat and Haryana, key manufacturing hubs in India. The centre’s primary objective will be to enhance the quality of manufacturing in India by promoting the core principles of Japanese manufacturing that have been critical to Suzuki’s success. These principles will focus on improving the efficiency and competitiveness of India’s manufacturing ecosystem, fostering innovation, and ensuring that the Indian workforce is equipped with cutting-edge skills and knowledge.

The OSCOE is expected to significantly impact the automotive sector by promoting enhanced quality standards among parts suppliers, thus contributing to Maruti Suzuki’s ongoing commitment to producing world-class vehicles. Additionally, the centre will facilitate joint programs with academic institutions, allowing students and professionals to gain practical knowledge and experience in modern manufacturing techniques.

While the centre will initially focus on the automotive industry, it is also poised to extend its efforts to other key sectors of manufacturing. The broader objective of the OSCOE aligns with Osamu Suzuki’s vision for business and society, which was centered on creating a fairer society through industrial growth. This expansion is reflective of the growing recognition that manufacturing excellence in India can have a significant impact on a wide range of sectors, thereby boosting the country’s overall economic growth and global competitiveness.

Founded as a joint venture between Suzuki Motor Corporation and the Indian government in the early 1980s, Maruti Suzuki has transformed India’s automotive landscape. The company pioneered the mass production of affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles and has since maintained a dominant position in the country’s passenger car market. With its deep roots in the Indian automotive industry, Maruti Suzuki has built a reputation for producing reliable vehicles that cater to a wide range of consumers.

The company’s legacy and success, driven by its commitment to quality and innovation, have positioned it as a household name in India. Maruti Suzuki’s vehicles are now a common sight on the roads across India, symbolizing the accessible and reliable transportation that Osamu Suzuki had envisioned.

The launch of the Osamu Suzuki Centre of Excellence is a significant step forward in India’s manufacturing sector. By investing in skills development, technological innovation, and high-quality manufacturing practices, the centre will play a key role in advancing the country’s industrial capabilities. This initiative also strengthens India’s position as a critical player in global manufacturing, especially in the automotive industry, and serves as a fitting tribute to Osamu Suzuki’s enduring legacy.

As Maruti Suzuki continues to innovate and grow, the Osamu Suzuki Centre of Excellence will serve as the cornerstone for a future of sustainable, high-quality, and globally competitive manufacturing in India.