Washington, DC—June 26, 2002—Auto import market share in Japan remains steady despite shrinkage in large-car sales, the imports' largest segment. In April, imports increased 3.4 percent during a 2.7 percent market decline, according to Japan Auto Trends, newsletter of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) released today.

“Importers increased their large-car market share to 30.9 percent. They've also begun offering new models in the more popular small-car market segment,” said William C. Duncan, General Director, JAMA USA.

In addition, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), which opened showrooms in 1996 in Tokyo, Osaka and Aichi prefectures encouraging the sales of imported cars, launched a new marketing theme— “Whenever you go to the showroom, you can always find something new.”

The new BMW Mini has been added to the JETRO showroom lineup bringing to 23 the number of foreign manufactured cars on display.

The newsletter's quarterly “Executive Highlights” features the newly elected JAMA Chairman Yoshihide Munekuni, Honda Motor Co. Chairman. Mr. Munekuni said it's vital that Japanese automakers not only remain on technology's cutting edge, but also lead on safety and environmental issues. The industry must truly distinguish itself among those who matter the most— consumers.

He also states the importance of cooperation— particularly with overseas competitors: “In certain areas, the Japanese automobile industry should work together with overseas automobile industries and maintain close communication. By doing so, we should learn from each other.”

In addition, the newsletter reports that Japan's automakers are branching out into recycling and developing easy-to-recycle vehicles. This is in anticipation of a new auto-recycling law that is expected to go into effect in 2004. For example, Nissan's fully remodeled “March” subcompact is 95 percent recyclable due to its use of polypropylene and other easy-to-reuse materials.

JAMA called the new law “extremely well-timed.” Duncan added that “recycling old cars has become a production challenge, not just a disposal problem.”

Other stories featured in today's newsletter include:

• “The Comeback Kids:” Nissan's and Mazda's global revival;
• “It Pays to be a Senior:” Japan's automakers' efforts to meet the demands of the growing number of Japanese senior consumers.

Japan Auto Trends examines developments in Japan's auto markets. This publication and all back issues are available on the JAMA website, www.jama.org. JAMA, located in Tokyo, has offices in Brussels, Singapore and Washington, D.C.