For example, DaimlerChrysler sells U.S.-built and German-built Mercedes in Japan as well as U.S.-built Chryslers. GM sells U.S.-built Chevrolets and German-built Opels.

“While politics between the U.S. and Japan may strive for a while to perpetuate past rhetoric, the internationalization of the automotive industry is rapidly overtaking the ability to credibly sustain the ‘we versus them’ approach to the U.S.-Japan automotive dialogue.” said William C. Duncan, General Director JAMA USA.

Duncan added that, “In global auto markets some companies may win and some companies may lose, but when it comes to corporate nationality, drawing distinctions will border on the impossible if not the absurd.”

For example, while some overseas makers saw their sales decline in Japan’s market during this year’s first quarter, VW/Audi sales in Japan are up 12 percent and Mercedes sales are up 28.5 percent despite an 0.2 percent decline in the market over the same period last year.

Aside from the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Ford’s Focus, Detroit automakers’ sales remain soft. So far this year, GM’s US-based sales are down 54.7% while Ford’s U.S.-based sales are down 40.4%.

In other newsletter articles:

• GM has set up a new distribution network—GM AutoWorld—that will handle sales in Japan of the Chevy Blazer, Camaro, Chevy MN (a rebadged Suzuki Wagon R Solio), Subaru’s Forester SUV, the new YGM-1 car that Suzuki designed for GM. 
• “Executive Highlights” features Takeshi Tanaka, new Chairman and CEO, Fuji Heavy Industries (Fuji) which produces the Subaru. Mr. Tanaka’s goal is to continue to bolster sales of the Subaru nameplate by 30% by 2005. This year Fuji is launching new alliance-related initiatives with Suzuki and GM. Fuji and GM plan among other activities joint development of new vehicles and joint participation in distribution in Asia.

Japan Auto Trends also reviews some of the latest technological advances in automotive safety. For example, Toyota has adopted Taiheiyo Kogyo’s (Pacific Industrial in U.S.) new tire pressure-monitoring system to warn drivers of unsafe tire conditions. Toyota will include the technology in its remodeled Lexus SC430, known as the Soarer.

Nissan’s newly redesigned Cima luxury car features a new safety device that helps to keep the car from drifting out of the lane. A rearview mirror mounted camera identifies lane markers and keeps the vehicle within the lines using a motor to adjust the steering wheel as needed.