Tokyo–December 9, 2004–A 24-member Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) delegation, led by ETI President Greg Potter, met with Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota in Japan during the 17th annual Japan Technical Cooperation Week co-sponsored by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) from December 6-9.

With information gained at the technical exchanges, ETI member companies will be able to develop tools and equipment to properly service 2005 Japanese-branded vehicles sold in the U.S. This year, the meeting attracted a record number of 24 ETI participants, up 60 percent from the 15 ETI attendees who participated in the event the last time it was held in Japan in 2002.

"These exchanges are important to both JAMA and ETI. They are the cornerstone in our continuing efforts to increase cooperation and information between the two organizations," said Toshihiro Iwatake, Senior Director General of JAMA's International Department. "We were delighted that so many ETI members were able to participate. It shows that their companies are continuing to gain valuable insights and information, which in the end, benefit American car owners through quality service of their vehicles."

The briefings, held at Mazda, Honda and JAMA facilities in Hiroshima, Motegi and Tokyo respectively, provided ETI members with the opportunity to review 2005 vehicle models and ensure that new tool and diagnostic services would meet service requirements. ETI members were able to select the topics for presentation and ask for more detailed explanations on questions they had.

This is a continuing effort to encourage interchange and understanding between car-related industries throughout the world.