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U.S. Tool & Equipment Manufacturers Preview 1999 Japanese Autos

14 December 1998

More Than a Decade of Cooperation: U.S. Tool & Equipment Manufacturers Preview 1999 Japanese Autos

ETI/JAMA Technical Week Demonstrates Continued Industry-to-Industry Relations

    TOKYO, Dec. 11 -- Major U.S. automotive tool and equipment
manufacturers met with Japanese automakers to review servicing for new 1999
vehicle models. This marks the eleventh annual "Japanese Technical Week"
co-sponsored by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and
Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI).
    In Japan, an ETI delegation was briefed by Mazda, Toyota, Mitsubishi and
Suzuki to help ETI member companies develop the right tools and equipment
ensuring proper service for U.S. customers and their new Japanese branded
vehicles.
    The eight-member ETI group representing six companies and led by James
Wanberg, ETI's President, met with automakers from December 7th through
December llth.
    "We believe this business-oriented relationship benefits our American
customers and continues the win-win situation between ETI and JAMA," said
Toshihiro Iwatake, JAMA General Manager, International Department.
    These briefings, which alternate meeting sites each year between Japan and
the U.S., are part of activities stemming from the "JAMA Action Plan for
International Cooperation." This is a continuing effort to encourage
interchange and understanding between car-related industries around the world.