As a young man, Hiroyuki Suzuki had shared the responsibility of rearing twin daughters. The lessons thus learnt, including those of hard work and dedication to a task, helped him later in life.
Now 57, Suzuki, the chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director (MD) of India
Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd , is using those traits to help revive the
Yamaha bike brand in India and boost the sales volumes to make the company a potent force in India.
Yamaha, which had made a mark in the Indian market in the 1980s and '90s with the RX100 model, later fell from grace largely because of the absence of a strong business plan, especially as its competitors were aggressively aiming to increase market share.
Changing technology and government regulations forced Yamaha to phase out models such as RX 100 and RD350. The brand was heading for extinction in the bike segment when it got a fresh lease of life under Suzuki's leadership.
Now, India Yamaha Motor has some of the best offerings in the market, such as the YZF-R15, FZ series in the 150 cc plus segment for the youth in general and its internationally renowned superbikes, such as the YZF-R1 and MT01.
The company now has 14 per cent market share in the deluxe bike segment, up from nine per cent last year. India Yamaha Motor eyes sales of five lakh motorcycles this year, including 1.5 lakh for the export market, compared to 3.8 lakh last year.
The company is focusing on new product offerings and strong marketing initiatives to take its share of the motorcycle market in India from three per cent now to 10 per cent in the next few years. The market was as big as nine million units in 2010-11.
"We are reinforcing our global brand image in India and enhancing the riding experience of Indian customers. We will make full use of the expertise and technologies gained from long years of product development. Our focus is to win the trust of the customers," Hiroyuki Suzuki said.
India Yahama under Suzuki's guidance is set to launch top-end products. It plans to invest $10 million by 2012 in capacity expansion and new product development, he said.
Suzuki is known for professional integrity and expertise in turnaround ventures. A Masters in mechanical engineering, Suzuki was director & senior executive officer (manufacturing centre) at Yamaha Motor Co Ltd, Japan, before he took over the reins of India Yamaha Motor.
The CEO and MD is determined to keep the legacy of Yamaha intact and his immediate focus areas include the development of the best products, quality human resources and establishment of an example of excellent teamwork between sales, R&D and manufacturing.
Suzuki owes his success to his strong willpower, high enthusiasm and energy towards work. He always maintains originality and is open-minded. These traits of the man at the top have reflected in the changing fortunes of India Yamaha.
When not working, Suzuki enjoys playing golf and reading history. Known for its technology, performance and style Yamaha is now striving to match up to the expectations of Indian bike lovers. And Suzuki is determined to make it happen.
Courtesy: Mail Today
A masters in mechanical engineering, Hiroyuki Suzuki was director & senior executive officer (manufacturing) at Yamaha Motor, Japan, before he took over the reins of India Yamaha Motor 
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