Ensuring Integrity in Business Transactions: JAMA Commits to Reinforcing Industry-Wide Initiatives
In a bid to maintain the automotive sector as a cornerstone of Japan's economy, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) held a press conference on September 19, 2024. Chairman Masanori Katayama addressed the gathering, emphasising JAMA's commitment to rectifying certification issues in the industry.
Chairman Katayama acknowledged that the discovery of irregularities at multiple member companies reflects a fundamental problem for automobile manufacturing. He stressed the need for fair transactions with suppliers and the simplification of the complex certification process, which is seen as an area for cooperation among companies, not a point of competition.
JAMA aims to regain trust through its efforts and work with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to revise the certification system. The association will continue to seek advice from authorities and hold direct discussions between company leaders to strengthen industry-wide efforts.
In an effort to prevent the recurrence of certification problems, both for individual companies and from an industry-wide perspective, Chairman Katayama reported that 243 preventative measures had been compiled across the 14 member companies. These measures aim to improve management, culture, and technical aspects.
Moreover, JAMA is actively promoting innovation in the sector. Collaboration on advanced technologies and certification is underway, with major Japanese automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan jointly developing self-driving technology using generative AI, supported by government funding.
The focus is also on Electric Vehicle (EV) battery certification. The market for EV battery testing, inspection, and certification in Japan is growing rapidly. Efforts include extensive testing protocols to ensure battery safety and performance, with the industry investing in advanced testing infrastructure, ISO accreditations, and AI-driven diagnostics to meet stringent certification requirements and sustainability goals.
Companies such as SkyDrive are securing major funding to enhance team capacity, testing facilities, and certification activities for innovative transport modes like eVTOL aircraft. This includes close coordination with Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau to meet certification timelines and regulatory requirements.
There is also a collaborative push among fuel and car manufacturers to develop and validate low-carbon gasoline within Japan. Although these fuels are not yet fully defined by Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), the industry is using competitive motorsports like the Super Taikyu Racing to accelerate development and certification feedback loops, promoting future carbon-neutral mobility.
These combined efforts—ranging from AI-driven autonomous vehicles, EV battery safety certification, novel low-carbon fuels, to new mobility solutions—reflect JAMA’s active role in fostering innovation, overcoming certification hurdles, and reinforcing the automotive industry’s central status in Japan's economy.
Chairman Katayama also mentioned organizing Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2024, scheduled for October, as part of JAMA's ongoing efforts to drive innovation and address certification issues in the automotive sector.
- The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), recognizing the importance of the automotive sector to Japan's economy, is working towards rectifying certification issues, with Chairman Masanori Katayama emphasizing the need for fair transactions with suppliers and simplifying the certification process.
- In an industry-wide push, JAMA aims to regain trust through its efforts, working closely with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to revise the certification system, seeking advice from authorities, and holding direct discussions between company leaders to strengthen the sector's efforts.
- Beyond rectifying certification issues, JAMA is actively promoting innovation in the automotive sector, with collaborations on advanced technologies like self-driving vehicles, Electric Vehicle (EV) battery testing, and low-carbon fuel development.
- As part of its ongoing efforts, JAMA is organizing the Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2024, scheduled for October, to drive innovation and address certification issues in the automotive sector, reflecting its active role in fostering growth and overcoming challenges in the industry.
