JAMA Contribution to the European Economy in 2004

In 2004, the European operations of Japanese manufacturers recorded a production of 1.29 million units, which represents a 4.1% increase on 2003 results. This also equates to 60 percent of all Japanese brands sold in Europe as well as 7.5 percent of total EU registrations for 2004. Through such performances, Japanese manufacturers continue to contribute significantly to the performance of the automotive sector in Europe , and in 2004 its contribution to the total EU production contributed amounted to 7.5 percent.

With its many production and Research & Development (R&D) facilities in Europe , Japanese automakers have succeeded in becoming an integral part of the EU auto industry. JAMA members are proud to be operating 17 production facilities in conjunction with 14 R&D facilities in the EU (click here for a link to JAMA’s 2005 report on Japanese automakers in the EU).

With its operations across Europe , JAMA directly contributes to enhancing EU competitiveness, a key priority of the current European Commission, the EU’s executive arm.  JAMA members’ production and R&D facilities are also a key element in meeting specific market needs of the European consumer.

What is more, investments made by Japanese manufacturers in Europe play a pivotal role in creating high skilled jobs, which in turn have contributed to the dynamism of the EU economy. Currently Japanese production and R&D facilities in Europe have resulted in the creation of 200,000 jobs, of which 38,500 are direct employment. More specifically 36,000 jobs are linked to production and 2,500 job creations have been made within R&D.

As illustrated by the above figures, Japanese manufacturers are committed to strengthening the sect or ’s competitiveness through direct investments in production and R&D, as well as implementing commercial strategies that stimulate local businesses and the wider EU economy. The investment pipeline for the period 2005-2009 is estimated at €915m.

Japanese automakers encourage strong business relationships to optimize the purchase of EU Parts

JAMA members are fully committed to continue building mutually beneficial relations with European parts manufacturers to widen the local benefits of its members operations in Europe and to optimize part purchasing policies.

Through increased parts purchasing from European suppliers, Japanese manufactures play in important role in the strengthening and competitiveness of European suppliers. Purchase increased by 7.4 % increase from 2003 to 2004 and today, 80 % of the parts used in the European production plants of Japanese automotive manufactures are delivered by EU parts manufactures.

Through the sound business relationship between JAMA and the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, CLEPA, new business opportunities have been created which in turn have assisted in pursuing global maximized purchasing.