Communication from Akio Toyoda to Osamu Suzuki, esteemed Senior Advisor at Suzuki and esteemed figurehead of Japanese automotive industry
In a heartfelt press conference, Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda expressed his gratitude and admiration for Senior Advisor Osamu Suzuki, who is set to retire after more than four decades at the helm of Suzuki Motor Corporation.
Senior Advisor Suzuki, watching the conference live, emphasized the importance of being on the ground and keeping moving, a philosophy he has embodied throughout his career. His words left an indelible impression on Toyoda, who pledged to continue taking action "for the automotive industry and minivehicles," areas that Suzuki has significantly shaped.
Upon his retirement, Suzuki referred to himself as "the old man of a small-to-medium-size company," a title that resonated with Toyoda, who acknowledged the critical role Suzuki played in Japan's motorization and his status as an "artist" in the automotive industry. Toyoda even considers Suzuki as one of his fathers due to his significant contributions to the industry.
Their relationship was not just professional; they were close enough to joke about their company sizes. Toyoda, in a lighter moment, referred to Suzuki as the "father" of minivehicles in Japan. In a conversation, Suzuki mentioned his trip to India and discovering new places or opportunities on earth, a sentiment that seemed to inspire Toyoda.
Toyoda gathered 2,000 people in Nagoya after returning from his travels, where he may have delivered a message of gratitude to Senior Advisor Suzuki. The press conference concluded with a promise from Toyoda to continue the good work started by Suzuki, a message that was directed towards the 5.5 million people involved in the automotive industry.
In the days following the press conference, Toyoda visited North America, China, and Europe, signalling a renewed commitment to the collaborative efforts that Suzuki had championed. On July 21, Suzuki and Daihatsu will participate in the Commercial Japan Partnership (CJP), a project aimed at disseminating CASE technologies and services in commercial vehicle businesses.
While specific quotes or detailed thoughts from Toyoda about Suzuki's retirement have not been widely reported, it is clear that the automotive industry will miss the visionary leadership of Osamu Suzuki. His legacy, however, will live on through the countless lives he has touched and the industries he has transformed.
[1] Relevant sources for insights into their collaboration may include official press releases, interviews, or corporate communications from Toyota or Suzuki around the time of their partnership (post-2016).
- Toyoda's pledge to continue taking action "for the automotive industry and minivehicles" reflects his commitment to uphold the philosophy that Senior Advisor Suzuki has embodied throughout his career.
- In a lighter moment, Toyoda referred to Suzuki as the "father" of minivehicles in Japan, acknowledging the significant role Suzuki played in shaping the automotive industry.
- While the specific quotes or detailed thoughts from Toyoda about Suzuki's retirement have not been widely reported, it is clear that the finance and transportation industries, including the automotive sector, will miss the visionary leadership of Osamu Suzuki.
