July 30, 2020
Washington, D.C. – A new study conducted by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) highlights Japanese-brand automakers’ integral role in partnering with American communities and workers to advance innovation and strengthen the U.S. auto industry’s global competitiveness through deep investments in manufacturing, R&D, and design.
The study titled, “An Assessment of Japanese Automakers’ Impact & Activity in the United States,” shows how Japanese-brand automakers’ investments in America – with cumulative manufacturing investment alone at $53 billion since 1982 – have diversified and improved the vehicles available to American consumers while also helping to establish the innovation ecosystem necessary to ensure that the U.S. auto industry continues to thrive amid pivotal changes in vehicle transportation and mobility.
CAR illustrates how this decades-long commitment actively contributes to the U.S. auto industry’s innovation base through the development of cutting-edge connected, automated, shared, and electric (CASE) vehicle technology and the establishment of long-lasting partnerships with U.S. academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, government, technology-based startups, and other automakers.
“This study tells a deeper story of Japanese-brand automakers’ impact in America beyond investment dollars, showcasing how we actively strengthen U.S. manufacturing and competitiveness by ensuring that the American workforce is prepared for the future,” said Manny Manriquez, general director of the U.S. office of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA USA). Manriquez added, “Likewise, the study provides a wide-angle view of our integral role in the U.S. as drivers of innovation and good corporate citizens.”
The study provides various examples of Japanese-brand automakers’ workforce development efforts and integration into local communities through charitable giving and employee volunteering. Examples of several recent initiatives and projects created to help combat the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis are highlighted as well.
Click here for a fact sheet summarizing key takeaways from the report. The full report is available to read and download here.
Additionally, JAMA USA has published a blog post and list of activities detailing our members efforts to support their local communities and healthcare objectives amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Alongside the report, JAMA USA is releasing its 2019 U.S. economic contributions data:
To learn more about JAMA USA, follow us on Twitter at @JapanAutosUSA and visit our website at jama.org.
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