Washington, D.C. – The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), an industry association that represents Japan’s fourteen passenger car, truck, bus, and motorcycle manufacturers, has appointed Anita Rajan as the General Director of its Washington, DC office (JAMA USA) effective May 23rd. Rajan joins JAMA USA after a 19-year career at Mitsubishi Motors R&D of America Inc. where she most recently served as the Manager of Government Affairs. As Manager of Government Affairs, she provided assessments to executives and senior management of U.S. political, macroeconomic, trade-related and auto industry trends impacting business in the U.S. and other regional markets. Rajan succeeds Manny Manriquez, who joined JAMA USA nearly a decade ago.

“My nine years with JAMA USA were rich with unforgettable experiences. The team and I worked hard to share the story of Japanese-brand automakers’ footprint in the U.S. as far and wide as possible,” said Manriquez. “My successor, Anita Rajan, will no doubt carry on this work with dedication and focus. Coupled with her many years of experience working in the U.S.-Japan business sector, she has all the necessary expertise that our colleagues around the country have turned to JAMA USA to provide. We worked together as collaborative colleagues during my entire tenure, and I am thrilled to introduce her as the new General Director.”

“I am excited and honored to take on the role of General Director for JAMA USA as Japanese-brand automakers lean into the opportunities and challenges presented by the transition to electrified vehicles, as well as connected and automated vehicle technology advancements in the U.S.,” said Rajan. 

“For decades, this organization has consistently been the ‘go-to’ resource for informing the government and the public about Japanese-brand automakers’ transformational role in the U.S. auto industry through its substantial and increasing investments in manufacturing and R&D/design. These companies have consistently given back to the American communities their workers call home and continue to provide career opportunities for them to pursue their dreams. I look forward to communicating Japanese-brand automakers’ dedication to their workers, customers, and local communities in the U.S.”

To learn more about the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association U.S. office (JAMA USA), follow us on Twitter at @JapanAutosUSA and visit our website at jama.org.

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