Osamu Suzuki commemorated in Budapest

Suzuki and Hungarian Government signed basic agreement on joint venture for car production 35 years ago. On the 35th anniversary of the signing of a basic agreement between Suzuki and the Hungarian Government on a joint venture for car production, Magyar Suzuki hosted a gala dinner at which the legendary leader Osamu Suzuki, who passed away last year, was solemnly commemorated. The event highlighted the former president-CEO’s unforgettable role in the success story of the Esztergom-based manufacturing company. Toshihiro Suzuki, the current representative director and president of Suzuki Motor Corporation, thanked all those who have helped Magyar Suzuki play a stable role in the Hungarian economy and international car production since 1991 for their cooperation and support.

It was a risky but promising undertaking on the part of Suzuki Motor Corporation to start a greenfield investment in Hungary, a country on the verge of a regime change. The head of the company group at the time, Osamu Suzuki, contributed personally to the resumption of car production in Hungary after a 50-year hiatus. The former chairman and CEO was determined to establish a successful car factory in the middle of Central and Eastern Europe. It was exactly 35 years ago that he signed a letter of intent with the Hungarian government, guaranteeing that Suzuki’s European base would be built in Esztergom using the most up-to-date technology. Former and current members of the government, leaders of Komárom-Esztergom county, diplomatic officials from Hungary and Japan, the management of Suzuki Motor Corporation, representatives of Magyar Suzuki’s suppliers, partners, dealerships and current employees jointly commemorated the legendary leader, who passed away on 25 December 2024, at the age of 94. As mentioned at the event, thanks to Osamu Suzuki, a world-class factory deploying a full range of production technology was established in Esztergom.

“From the establishment of Magyar Suzuki, Osamu Suzuki visited Hungary almost every year, and contributed to the growth of the company, the development of the Hungarian economy and to the strengthening of Hungarian-Japanese relations,” recalled Atsumi Masato, Managing Director of Magyar Suzuki Corporation in his ceremonial speech.

At the event held in the Hungarian Royal Riding Hall, in addition to paying tribute, words of thanks were also given. Toshihiro Suzuki, representative director and president of Suzuki Motor Corporation, paid tribute to and thanked those who have been actively involved in the success of Magyar Suzuki Corporation so far.

“Since the founding of Magyar Suzuki, we have experienced difficult and beautiful times together. Thanks to the cooperation and support of a large number of people, including those present here, we have produced a total of more than 4 million vehicles in Esztergom so far. We will continue to rely heavily on our group’s single European manufacturing base in the future as well.” said Toshihiro Suzuki.

Cars are exported from Esztergom to 123 countries around the world, and for the European markets exclusively with hybrid drive systems since 2020. As one of Hungary's leading industrial companies, Magyar Suzuki makes a significant contribution to the performance of the Hungarian economy.

Based on its revenue, the company regularly ranks among the TOP20 large companies in the country. Suzuki has been the market leader in the Hungarian new passenger car market 21 times in 35 years.

Prior to the event, Toshihiro Suzuki met Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for consultations, and then he conducted a factory audit in Esztergom, where he also thanked his colleagues for their persistent work over the past decades.