Masanori Katayama
Chairman
Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.

Over the past year, the world has faced a highly uncertain environment on many fronts. Tensions among major countries have affected the structure of the global economy, and shifts in the balance of power have been particularly pronounced in emerging markets. Amid these changes, automobiles supplied by new players have surpassed conventional assumptions and are evolving rapidly in terms of technology, quality, and cost.

The automotive industry today stands at a major turning point. As a core industry driving the Japanese economy, the automotive sector has an exceptionally broad base and far-reaching ripple effects. A decline in competitiveness could have wide-ranging impacts on society.

At present, major nations are supporting their domestic industries through policy measures such as import tariffs and export controls. For the auto industry to advance, efforts on the part of corporations are of course essential, but equally important is the pursuit of an integrated public-private approach that includes policy support, public understanding, and collaboration with other industries.

The significance of JAMA’s role is therefore greater than ever. I cannot overstate how vital it is to expand areas of cooperation and to establish mechanisms that raise productivity and international competitiveness across the entire industry.

During my two years as this association’s Chairman, “What is JAMA’s role as an organization?” is a question that I continuously asked myself. The next two years starting in January will be entrusted to new leadership, but above all, in my view, it is the collective will and actions of all of JAMA’s senior officers that are of key significance.

In the foreword to the “Vision 2035” document JAMA released at the beginning of this year, I borrowed from the world of anime when I used the Japanese expression genki dama, which means “sphere of amassed energy or pure life force.” For me, it connotes the bringing together of the wisdom, passion, and confidence of this nation to move forward—especially in the face of challenges that are difficult to overcome through policy alone or through the self-help efforts of industry alone.

This way of thinking underpins the “seven priority challenges for the automotive industry” established by JAMA’s Board of Directors at its meeting today, and it is why we have consistently emphasized the necessity of strengthening international competitiveness and improving productivity.

With regard to JAMA’s new organizational leadership starting in January, careful discussions were held at the Board meeting, primarily among our Vice Chairs and myself, on the challenges we face and their background. The conclusion we arrived at was that Toyota Motor Corporation should be asked to assume the next corporate chairmanship, and this was unanimously endorsed and approved by the Board.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the tremendous understanding and cooperation extended to me during my tenure. Your support has been a source of strength for JAMA and has enabled us to move many initiatives forward.

Under the new leadership, JAMA will take its next steps towards further growth. I respectfully ask for your continued and unwavering support.

To view the release referenced above in these comments’ title, click here.

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