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Japan's Automakers Move Ahead in America

6 November 1998

More Workers, More Plants and Record-High Auto Parts Purchases: Japan's Automakers Move Ahead in America

    WASHINGTON, Nov. 6 -- Entering its third decade of commitment
and investment in America, Japan's automakers now maintain fourteen
manufacturing plants and 35 research and development centers directly
employing more than 43,000 people, according to a report issued today by the
Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).
    "More than ever before, Japanese brand cars and trucks are being built in
America by Americans.  This reflects the ongoing global strategies of JAMA
member companies producing in local markets and contributing to local
economies," said William Duncan, General Director, JAMA USA.
    Including distributors and dealers of Japanese branded vehicles,
employment jumps to 336,000.  In addition, a record of nearly $25 billion
worth of US-made auto parts was bought by Japanese automakers for use in the
US and Japan. This represents a 9.8% increase over the prior year.
    The report, "Moving Ahead: Investment, Localization and Dedication to the
Consumer," reviews Japanese auto manufacturers' investment, production, parts
purchases and exports from 1986 through 1997.
    It also provides 1996 data on attitudes that showed more than 70% of
Americans polled agreed that competition between US and Japanese automakers
has benefited consumers by leading US automakers to produce cars and trucks of
higher quality and of wider variety.
    Japanese automakers now supply more than 64% of their total US sales from
their North American plants compared to less than 12% in 1986. Domestic
production totaled 2.3 million vehicles, while vehicle exports from Japan to
the US was nearly 1.3 million.
    This year also marks the opening of two manufacturing plants in Indiana
and West Virginia producing trucks and engines, respectively.