Washington, D.C.–October 25, 2004–Japanese automakers and importers are continuing to open super-sized stores and expand product offerings to appeal to Japanese customers, according to Japan Auto Trends, the newsletter of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) released today.

Nissan announced that it plans to open its third megamall, Carest Murayama, at a former manufacturing plant in Murayama City in 2005, continuing the total "car life" retailing concept that it started 5 years ago when it opened its first Carest store in the Kanagawa Prefecture. Carest malls feature everything from new and used cars, to parts and accessories and restaurants, the newsletter reported.

Meanwhile, Yanase & Co., long known as Japan's premier importer of luxury foreign cars, has in recent months greatly expanded its offerings. The former importer has become a megadealer, selling used cars, repair and inspection services, and parts and accessories, in addition to its traditional lineup of luxury car products.

In other news, Japan Auto Trends reported that the sales of American-made auto parts set a new record in fiscal 2003. In the last fiscal year ending March 31, 2004, Japanese automakers bought $41.51 billion in parts, up from the $37.34 billion purchased in fiscal 2002.

"The increased sales are due in part to closer working relationships between American auto parts makers and their Japanese customers," said William C. Duncan, General Director, JAMA USA. In his newsletter commentary, Duncan reported that JAMA and the U.S. Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) would hold a symposium in April 2005 to discuss ways to increase global competitiveness and promote more technical exchanges.

Japan Auto Trends also reported changes for future Tokyo Motor Shows. In 2005, the JAMA-sponsored event will feature four additional days and it will include both passenger cars and commercial vehicles in 2007. JAMA said the changes are designed to reduce overcrowding and reduce exhibitors' marketing costs.

In the Executive Highlights, Mazda President and CEO Hisakazu Imaki attributed his company's recent successes to Mazda's Millennium Plan, a management restructuring effort that began in the mid-1990s when the company began reducing staff, closing idle plants and cutting costs. However, he said that the company must continue to innovate to survive in this era of fierce global competition.

Other stories in the newsletter include:

• Nissan's Oppama Plant Continues Revival Plan
• Toyota's Colorful Town Gifu and Honda's Dreampia Offer Mega Shopping for Japanese Consumers

The newsletter also features a new Technology column that updates readers on a variety of new technologies.

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