The president of Hungary, Katalin Novak, presented the Order of Merit to Osamu Suzuki. This distinguished honor traces back to 1922 and gained the status of Hungary’s second most prestigious award in 2011. It recognizes both Hungarian citizens and foreigners who achieve outstanding work in their field.
The ceremony, postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held on June 8, 2022, at the Presidential Palace in Budapest. The event underscored Suzuki’s early and bold commitment to investing in Hungary’s automotive sector during a period when such a decision demanded notable courage and confidence.
Alongside President Novak, the gathering featured Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Peter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade. The government and the Hungarian public praised Suzuki for his foresight and perseverance in building Magyar Suzuki and expanding automotive capabilities within the country.
During the ceremony Suzuki expressed gratitude to the state and to the customers who supported Magyar Suzuki. He recalled that the Swift, Magyar Suzuki’s inaugural passenger car, became a beloved symbol that many Hungarians referred to as their own car, a sentiment that reflected the plant’s deep-rooted connection with the local market.
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Magyar Suzuki Corporation Ltd. was established in 1991, with vehicle production beginning in 1992. In 2021 the company produced around 100,000 cars, accumulating a total of about 3.7 million units produced over the factory’s history. Magyar Suzuki not only serves the Hungarian market but also exports to more than 100 countries worldwide. Notably, the factory manufactures Vitara and SX4 models for the Russian market.
Osamu Suzuki led Suzuki Motor Corporation as chairman of the board for 43 years and, by 2021, stepped down as honorary chairman. His leadership is credited with expanding Suzuki’s global footprint and strengthening the company’s manufacturing capabilities in Hungary.