
Former Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) chairman of the board, Osamu Masuko, has passed away. MMC announced that their former chairman suffered from a cardiac-arrest on August 27, 2020. He was 71.
"On behalf of the deceased former Chairman, Mr. Masuko, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the generosity that he and MMC received," said Takao Kato, representative executive officer, chief executive officer, MMC.
A private vigil and funeral was held by close relatives. With respect to the wishes of the deceased, MMC will not hold a farewell gathering.
Just a few weeks ago, then chairman, former president and CEO, Osamu Masuko, announced that he was resigning from hist active role in the company to become a special advisor. Mitsubishi cited health reasons as the reason behind Masuko's resignation.
Osamu Masuko was appointed as the president of Mitsubishi in January 2005. He developed and implemented the Mitsubishi Motors Revitalization Plan to bring it back to success and profitability.
The plan called for realistic management with a direction of selection and concentration. Masuko led the development of advanced environment-friendly vehicles including the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle, i-MiEV, as well as the world's first 4WD SUV plug-in hybrid EV, the Outlander PHEV.
Furthermore, Masuko focused on the ASEAN region, promoting local production, and expanding sales within member companies. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation played a pivotal role in this strategy, with its participation in the Philippine government’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program which promoted the local production of vehicles. The Mitsubishi Mirage, manufactured in the company’s facility in Laguna is a participant of this program. Masuko personally flew to the Philippines when the first vehicle rolled off the newly minted assembly plant in Laguna, and presented the first Philippine made Mirageto President Duterte.
In addition, he built solid relationships with the management of partners, the Alliance companies and the Mitsubishi Group through good communications by leveraging his personality and extensive connections.
During his tenure of about 16 years at MMC, Masuko fully demonstrated his management skills, enabling the company to overcome many difficulties.