In this edition, as we look ahead at the start of the year, we also look back on the exciting activities of the second half of 2025! We joined a panel event hosted by the George Washington University Center for International Business Education and Research (GW-CIBER) and Women in International Trade (WIIT), paid a visit to the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Plant (MTM) in Huntsville, Alabama, attended the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, and much more.
The JAMA USA family would also like to take a special opportunity at the start of the year to wish each and every one of you a healthy, joyful, and prosperous New Year! We appreciate your support and friendship and look forward to working together yet again in 2026. Cheers!
JAMA USA Office Highlights
George Washington University CIBER & WIIT Panel Event
On September 29, Jenny A. Kai, Senior Manager of Government & Public Affairs, spoke on a panel hosted by the George Washington University Center for International Business Education and Research (GWU CIBER) and Women In International Trade (WIIT) entitled, “Beyond Tariffs – What’s Next for the Global Trade Realignment.” This event was part of a new joint series exploring the real-world implications of evolving trade policies across sectors and regions.
The inaugural event featured a variety of speakers who examined how global trade and the political economy are realigning in response to U.S. tariffs and trade policies. Kai, who shared views from the automotive industry, joined a dynamic panel discussion, which reflected diverse industry and country perspectives regarding tariffs/trade policy, as well as the impacts and potential, future ramifications of these measures. Other speakers included representatives from the clean energy and beverage sectors as well as embassy representatives from the Netherlands and Vietnam. The event was well attended, and the audience consisted of a diverse group of trade policy professionals in the Washington D.C. community, academics, and students.
JAMA USA Visits Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) in Alabama
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2025 Japan Mobility Show
In October, Alex Willis, Senior Manager of Industry and Public Affairs, had the opportunity to visit the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. Our latest blog post entitled, “The Innovative Spirit of the Heart of the Japan Mobility Show,” reflects on how the show has changed and how Japanese-brand automakers continue to innovate. The blog highlights that even after decades of advancement Japanese OEMs still endeavor to better society through innovation. In particular, the piece notes that JAMA’s Vision 2035 tackles a number of difficult challenges facing the industry and society by convening stakeholders in Japan and around the world.
These challenges include the need for rapid expansion of logistics services, as products and people need to move faster and more efficiently; better infrastructure that can accommodate new technology; stable trade policy; access to critical resources and minerals for components like batteries; and cross-industry data collaboration. These are big issues with no one solution but regardless, Japanese-brand automakers continue to work towards finding a way to improve society through collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
To read the blog, click here.
Public Comments
JAMA Comments on the USMCA
On November 3, JAMA submitted comments to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in response to the September 17, 2025, request for comments relating to the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Overall, given the USMCA’s positive impact on automotive manufacturing investment in the U.S., JAMA strongly supports the extension of the agreement and welcomes further engagement and dialogue during the USMCA review process. As Japanese-brand automakers have built upon their successful manufacturing investments in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the USMCA has helped them make efficient and predictable investments, which only further fuel investments in the region as the market grows. The interconnectedness of all three countries’ automotive supply chains has created a strong, globally competitive North American automotive industry, which is highly valued and benefits investors and consumers alike.
To read JAMA’s comments, click here.
JAMA Blog & Other Releases
Real Clear Markets: Japanese Brand Automakers Power U.S. Workforce Development
In September, in celebration of Workforce Development Month, JAMA USA published an op-ed in Real Clear Markets. The op-ed recognizes and sheds light on the behind-the-scenes people and partnerships driving economic opportunity and mobility across the country. Japanese-brand automakers play a crucial role in U.S. workforce development, propelling the industry forward and were one of the first to understand the importance of closing the skills gap to advance the American auto industry.
To read the op-ed, please click here.
JAMA Tokyo Annual Japanese Auto Market Data Release
In October, JAMA USA’s Tokyo Headquarters released its annual Motor Industry of Japan Report. This report is a one-stop shop for a number of key statistics and updates from the Japanese automobile industry, including motor vehicle production, new registrations, exports, global operations, etc. and updates on current trends and developments in the industry. This report demonstrates the immense importance of the automotive industry to Japan’s economy and to the world.
JAMA Blog: Japanese-brand Automakers Celebrate Manufacturing Month 2025
In October, in honor of Manufacturing Month, JAMA USA published a blog post entitled, “Japanese-brand Automakers Celebrate Manufacturing Month 2025.”
The blog highlights just a few of the exciting developments and initiatives by Japanese-brand automakers to move American manufacturing forward, including the October 1 groundbreaking of Isuzu’s new vehicle manufacturing facility in South Carolina, Honda’s annual Manufacturing Day celebration, which brought students and teachers from more than 60 schools nationwide to engage in hands-on activities and learn about advanced manufacturing careers, and various other exciting initiatives by our members to attract and inspire the next generation of automotive manufacturing talent. JAMA USA recognizes our members’ tireless efforts to partner with its employees and local communities across the country to create opportunities to advance manufacturing in America.
Member Spotlights
Mazda Uplifts STEM Programs in Schools Nationwide
Just in time for the holiday season, as part of Mazda’s “Be Moved” community engagement program, Mazda North American Operations partnered with DonorsChoose to donate $250,000 in support of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) projects for students and teachers across the country. The program aims to foster innovation and curiosity in classrooms across Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Boston-Manchester.
This is the second year Mazda has joined forces with DonorsChoose to empower students nationwide to engage in STEM projects and reflects our member’s commitment to communities and building out a pipeline of innovators from the start.
Mitsubishi Motors Supports Student Driver Education Safety Program
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) in partnership with City Auto Mitsubishi dealership generously donated new SUVs to Rutherford County Schools (RCS) in Tennessee. These vehicles will be used as part of RCS’ driver-training program to ensure safer driving in young drivers.
While in recent years many school districts have had to cancel driver-education programs due to critical funding issues, this meaningful partnership has allowed for an important program to continue. This unique community partnership contributes to real-world impact by introducing practical safety skills training for young drivers that can be lifesaving.