Less than a month after he stepped down as Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s chairman of the board and representative executive officer, Osamu Masuko has died.

The Japanese carmaker has confirmed that the former chairman of the board turned special adviser died from cardiac arrest last August 27. It was only made public today. 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.

Masuko developed implemented the Mitsubishi Motors Revitalization Plan and made every effort to revitalize the company.

While aiming at 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, Outlander PHEV.

Furthermore, in the ASEAN region, which has become MMC’s growth driver, he succeeded in local production, and expanded sales there.

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 for about 16 years at MMC, Masuko made great achievements by fully demonstrating his management skills, which also enabled the company to overcome difficulties.

Masuko resigned in August citing health reasons.