JAMA publishes the 2009 edition of Common Challenges, Common Future—Japanese Auto Manufacturers Contribute to the Competitiveness of Europe’s Motor Industry
Despite the challenges posed by the global economic downturn, Japanese automakers continue to contribute to the EU economy and employment in the European community through a broad range of activities related to their supply of high-quality products to European consumers.
The 2009 edition of Common Challenges, Common Future provides the latest facts and figures on JAMA members’ investment, production, parts-purchasing, R&D and employment activities across Europe.
The figures show that in 2008 Japanese automakers in Europe:
- Invested over €15 billion, cumulatively, in European production and R&D facilities;
- Produced 1.69 million vehicles;
- Purchased €13.54 billion worth of EU-made parts;
- Operated a total of 15 manufacturing plants and 12 R&D and design centres in the EU;
- Employed 136,930 people across Europe; and
- Exported a total of 241,128 vehicles produced in the EU.
The publication also describes the following major developments for JAMA members in Europe in 2009:
- Honda plans to begin production of the Jazz at its plant in Swindon (UK) in autumn, which will help meet increased demand for the car in Europe where it recently surpassed the 50,000-unit sales mark.
- Featuring Mazda’s proprietary idling prevention (‘i-stop’) and direct injection spark ignition (DISI) technologies, the new, eco-friendly Mazda3 offers 12% lower fuel consumption in city driving than its current European version.
- Unveiled in March 2009 and introduced in Japan in July, Mitsubishi’s new-generation electric vehicle i-MiEV is scheduled to enter the European market in 2010/11.
- Mitsubishi Fuso’s plant in Tramagal (Portugal) rolled out its 150,000th light-duty Canter truck in October 2008. The Canter is now sold in 30 countries in Europe.
- The Nissan Leaf, the world’s first commercial all-electric, zero-emissions car, is to be launched in Europe in late 2010 after being unveiled in August this year.
- Toyota began producing the all-new Avensis (sedan and station wagon) in Burnaston (UK) in late 2008 and in January 2009 launched its sale across Europe. The Avensis is designed, engineered and built in the EU.
Having invested heavily in the development of new technologies for next-generation vehicles, JAMA members are currently working to expand the number of hybrid models available on the market and will introduce not only electric but also plug-in hybrid vehicles in the very near future.
JAMA members intend to continue contributing to the competitiveness of Europe’s automotive industry in the years ahead.
