By Jenny A. Kai, Senior Manager of Government & Public Affairs
With the 2024 U.S. election season drawing to a close, many in the U.S. will be looking expectantly toward the start of a new administration and Congress in January. One thing is for certain, regardless of the ebbs and flows of politics, JAMA members will continue building upon a decades-long legacy of investing in high-quality American careers and bolstering the domestic workforce. Whether it be through the expansion of existing facilities, new investments, or further advancement of innovation through R&D investments, Japanese-brand automakers are steadfastly committed to continuing these efforts into the future. Also, the U.S. and Japan bilateral relationship is now stronger than ever, due in no small part to good-quality Japanese foreign direct investment (FDI), which has helped form the bedrock of robust economic ties. Through some of my recent travels to JAMA’s Tokyo headquarters and to Columbus, Ohio, I had the distinct pleasure of seeing first-hand the value of Japanese-brand automakers’ contributions to cutting-edge R&D capabilities and our members’ impact on communities across America.
In Tokyo, I attended the inaugural JAMA Mobility Show Bizweek, which showcased a wide range of our members’ latest technological developments. This included Toyota’s swappable hydrogen fuel cell cartridges that help power fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), homes, and even a portable camping grill (yes, there was a delicious demo behind the convention center!). Nissan shared its Energy Share concept, an intelligent charging management system that uses real-time data to check a vehicle’s charge status and energy consumption. This allows EVs to transfer power to the grid and prevents charging vehicles from disrupting the electricity needs of surrounding buildings. Subaru showcased its SUBAROAD app, which is a customizable navigation system that allows drivers to enjoy a variety of scenic driving routes, typically not available in standard navigation programs, and synchronizes with curated music and tourist information based on a driver’s location.
At the Midwest Japan-U.S. Conference (MWJA) in Columbus, Ohio, I witnessed how the longstanding investments of Japanese-brand automakers form a cornerstone of the greater story of Japanese FDI in the U.S. Throughout the conference, various U.S. governors of Midwestern states (e.g.- Govs. Eric Holcomb (R-Indiana), Mike DeWine (R-Ohio), and Tony Evers (D-Wisconsin) and local mayors) reaffirmed just how essential economic ties are between the U.S. and Japan on the local level. Furthermore, their remarks resounded with the conviction that the bilateral relationship will continue to be paramount now and into the future. Another consistent theme throughout the conference was just how much the Honda Marysville Auto Plant (MAP) in Ohio has become a role model for other companies just starting to invest in the region. Not only has MAP played a historic part in profoundly transforming the economic trajectory of the local community, which has now resulted in the build-out of a Smart Mobility Corridor, but it has also continued to contribute meaningfully by building out a workforce pipeline and making renewed and transformative commitments in the future of mobility.
These visits exemplify how Japanese-brand automakers can remain agile and innovative while continuing to be a consistent and resilient force of long-term economic investment that only further strengthens U.S. competitiveness. Furthermore, the economic ties between the U.S. and Japan remain substantial and are built on the foundation of mutual friendship and shared values. We look forward to seeing this story continue to grow strength by strength and deepen into next year and beyond!