The Japanese automobile industry is closely associated with a broad range of industries at every stage of the production, distribution, and maintenance of motor vehicles and related transportation services. Consequently, we in the automobile industry play a major role both as employers and in Japan's overall manufacturing output. The people who are engaged, either directly or indirectly, in the manufacture of motor vehicles account for approximately 10 percent of the total work force and produce more than 10 percent of Japan's total manufacturing output.

JAMA has set a goal of meeting the diverse needs of the consumers, at home and abroad. To that end, Japanese motor vehicle manufacturers are working to establish and maintain a highly integrated and flexible system that involves both technological developments and management practices.

Concurrently, motor vehicles and parts manufacturers are also working to strengthen and enhance interdependence through, for example, technical and marketing cooperation, joint business ventures, and direct investment. In the present atmosphere of increasing interaction, we are making every effort to respond positively to the growing sophistication and universality of the industry. These efforts, in conjunction with the in-depth research required, are being pursued in anticipation of the inevitable globalization of the industry.