Washington, D.C.–January 12, 2005–The number of JAMA members' U.S. auto and auto parts manufacturing plants has grown from 11 in 1993 to 20 today and will grow to 23 by 2006, according to Japan Auto Trends, newsletter of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). These plants employed 56,336 persons and produced about 2.9 million vehicles in 2003. JAMA members' financial commitment now totals $26 billion over 20 years.

"Investment dollars and jobs are the two most visible ways that Japanese automakers have become a part of the fabric of the U.S. economy and for that matter other economies as well," writes William C. Duncan, General Director, JAMA USA, in his newsletter column, "Contributing to the U.S. Economy."

"Yet economic contributions go beyond the numbers to the introduction of a new economic dynamic," Duncan adds. Continued investment in cutting-edge production technology, research and development, product innovation and environmental solutions bring about a powerful energy that promises an even stronger economy in the future. "This energy tells us that we can look forward to increasing productivity, growing employment, and improving product quality at affordable prices. In short, this investment promises a more creative society and a higher standard of living, which ultimately is the true value of competition, which made it all happen in the first place."

In its Executive Highlights section, Japan Auto Trends introduces JAMA's new Vice Chairman and President Yoshiyasu Nao. Nao emphasizes that he will continue to push for harmonized environmental standards and test procedures. These issues often involve conflicting regulations set by many different governments, and therefore need to be handled on a global level. Nao brought up the topic at the 3rd Global Automotive Industry Meeting in Detroit on January 11, 2005, before the start of the Detroit Motor Show.

In other related news, Japan Auto Trends reported that Japanese automakers had introduced 38 "worldwide debut" vehicles at the 38th Tokyo Motor Show, an increase over the number introduced at the last commercial vehicles show in 2002. Japanese automakers also played a prominent role at the 11th World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems in Japan late last year. At the Congress, Japanese automakers showcased new fuel-saving and safety technologies, including a futuristic system by Toyota that prevents drivers from speeding through school zones and stop signs.

Other stories in the newsletter include:

• Creative Concepts: Motor Show Offers Unusual Models
• Executives Call for Harmonized Environmental Standards; Commercial Vehicle Makers Meet to Discuss Challenges

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.