In this issue

JAMA-CLEPA Business Conferences

JAMA and CLEPA (European Association of Automotive Suppliers) have been organising Business Conferences since March 1995 with a view to foster the business partnerships between Japanese automotive manufacturers operating in Europe and European automotive suppliers. The 8th conference will be organized at the Lingotto Exhibition and Conference Centre in Torino ( Italy ) on 7 - 10 November 2005.

Third Global Automotive Industry Meeting

The third Global Automotive Industry meeting took place on 11 January 2005 in Detroit , Michigan (USA), gathering leaders of the world’s automakers. At the meeting common issues and common approaches were discussed. Issues on the agenda included how to protect intellectual property, the state of play of advanced technology and improved fuel quality, how to maintain momentum on sustainable mobility and road traffic safety. The next Global Automotive Industry Meeting will take place in Europe in March 2006 and will be hosted by the European Automobile Manufactures Association (ACEA).

Japanese Automakers Continue to Strengthen the Purchase of EU Automotive Parts

JAMA members’ policy of globally optimizing purchasing under conditions of QCDD (Quality-Cost-Delivery-Development) shows that they are committed to the EU market. The purchase of EU-manufactured automotive parts by Japanese automakers has increased continuously since 1995 and figures for the first half of 2004 point to a 7.1% increase from the previous year. JAMA members value their relationships with their European partners and intend to further strengthen the current relationships by continuing to purchase EU parts that are competitive, innovative, and meet increasingly stringent EU safety standards.

Minicars: Cheap and Cheerful