The document provides an overview of the Japanese automotive industry. It discusses how Japan has been one of the top automotive producing countries since the 1960s and was a pioneer of robotics in automotive manufacturing in the 1970s. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Japan rapidly developed its automotive industry and overtook the US as the leading producer of automobiles. Today, Japan remains one of the leading automotive producers globally. The document is intended to provide business development, outsourcing, and localization support for managers interested in Japan's automotive industry.

1. Photo: Lexus
Japan
AutoBook
2019
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PREVIEW

2. ii
WELCOME!
The Japanese Automotive Industry is one of the
leading and largest automotive industries around
the globe. Since the 1960’s Japan, has been part
of the top three largest automotive producing
countries. During the 1970’s, Japan pioneered the
robotics in the automotive industry, being the first
to mass introduce robotics in the manufacturing
of vehicles. Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s,
Japan was developing its industry so rapidly it
overtook the U.S. as the leading producers of
automobiles with over 13 million cars manufactured per year. Today,
Japan remains one of the leader producers
Business Development, Outsourcing, and
Localization
The information was compiled from personal research, the internet
and support of friends at automotive companies, automotive
organizations, industrial estates and business associates and is
intended to support:
1) Business Development - managers who seek to identify
potential customers and sales opportunities in Japan’s
automotive industry.
2) Outsourcing – local and international commodity managers,
buyers who are looking to source automotive components from
Japan.
3) Localization – international managers desiring to expand their
market and set up a footprint in Japan – either for distribution or
local production.
Focus on contacts
To make your work easier, the Japan AutoBook features QuickLinks to
access web sites, Google Maps locations and social media sites of
the featured companies and their representatives. Simply click on the
following icons to connect:
I am sure this book will give you lots of information and inspire you to
do business with Japan.
If you have any questions or comments – please don’t hesitate to
contact me - I look forward to your feedback!
To your success!
Ulrich Kaiser
Publisher

3. Chapter 1
Introduction
Photo: Toyota

4. Overview of the Japanese Automotive Industry
The Japanese Automotive Industry is one of the leading and largest automotive
industries around the globe. Since the 1960’s Japan, has been part of the top three
largest automotive producing countries.
During the 1970’s, Japan pioneered the
robotics in the automotive industry, being the
first to mass introduce robotics in the
manufacturing of vehicles. Throughout the
1980’s and 1990’s, Japan was developing its
industry so rapidly it overtook the U.S. as the
leading producers of automobiles with over 13
million cars manufactured per year. Today,
Japan remains one of the leader producers,
however it has been surpassed by Chinas
rapid growth during the early 2000’s. Over the
last few decades Japan’s automotive sector’s
investments outside of Japan has helped grow
new automotive industries in developing
countries.
Section 1
AT A GLANCE
1. Automotive Industry began during the
1910’s
2. Toyota became the worlds largest
automotive producer in 2008
3. Pioneered Robotics Manufacturing in the
1970’s
4. Japan has expanded from its domestic
manufacturing to setting up plants
throughout the world, such as in Thailand.
Japan Automotive Industry Overview
Page 4

5. Chapter 2
Statistics

6. 6

7. Chapter 3
OEMs
Photo: Mazda

8. The Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multinational corporation,
headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. The company was founded in 1946
by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa.
The company has several manufacturing locations in Japan, and
other manufacturing and assembly plants outside of Japan.
The company employees over 230,000 people globally. The Honda group of companies
has 451 affiliated companies globally. The company manufactures a wide range of
models. Honda also has a luxury brand called Acura, which was launched in 1986. In
2013, Honda became the first Japanese automaker to be a net exporter to the United
States, exporting over 108,000 Honda and Acura models while, importing less than
88,000.
Section 1
AT A GLANCE
1. Headquartered in Minato, Tokyo
2. Employs over 230,000 people globally
Honda
Page 8
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
2-1-1 Minami-Aoyama
Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-8556
Tel: +81 (03) 3423 1111
Hiroshi Nishibayashi
Manager

9. Acura is the luxury brand for
Honda. The brand is known for
being the first luxury band from
Japan. With its flag ship model
Legend, the company inspired
other automotive manufacturers such as
Nissan and Toyota to create their own
luxury brand.
Honda has several manufacturing
locations in Japan. Click here for an
extensive list of Honda locations.
Saitama Factory
Yorii Plant
2354 Tomida, Yorii-machi
Ohsato-gun, Saitama Pref
369-1215
Tel: +81 (04) 8577 2100
Yorii Automobile Plant began operation in
2013. Utilizing Honda's revolutionary
technologies, the plant has an annual
production capacity of 250 thousand units.
Products: Vezel, Fit, Grace, Shuttle
Sayama Plant
1-10-1 Shinsayama
Sayama-shi, Saitama Pref.
350-1331
Tel: +81 (04) 2953 4111
The Sayama plant was established in 1964
to mass produce Honda automobiles. The
plant can manufacture multiple models in
order to meet demand.
Products: Step Wagon, Odyssey, Jade,
Legend, Accord, Freed, CR-V, Fit
Ogawa Plant
2-1-1 HibaridaiOgawa-machi
Hikigun, Saitama Pref.
355-0318
Tel: +81 (04) 9371 7000
Saitama Factory's Ogawa Plant began
operation in 2009 as an engine plant to
supply Yorii Automobile Plant and other
automobile plants overseas with Honda's
advanced environmental engines.
Products: 1.5L direct injection DOHC i-
VTEC engine, 1.5L atkinson cycle DOHC i-
VTEC engine
Suzuka Factory
1907 Hirata-cho,
Suzuka-shi, Mie Pref.
513-0826
Tel: +81 (05) 9378 1212
Suzuka Factory was established in 1960 as
Honda third domestic factory. Suzuka
Factory, among Honda's domestic
factories, supplies components to Honda's
overseas factories in 27 nations,
supplementing locally-purchased
components and supporting their local
production activities.
Products: N-Box Slash, N-WGN, N-ONE, N-
BOX +, N-BOX, CR-Z, FIT
9

10. Section 2
Japanese Automotive OEMs
Page 10
The full version of the Japan AutoBook includes profiles of the following companies operating in Japan.
You can order your subscription to Japan AutoBook here.

11. Chapter 4
Japanese
Tier 1
Photo: Denso

12. Akebono is a manufacturer of brake discs and brake pads
which has headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. The company was
founded in 1929 and had net sales of 281.3 Billion Yen by the end of march 2016.
Akebono brakes are widely used in various applications, such as passenger and
commercial vehicles, motorcycles, rail vehicles and industrial machinery. They also
provide sensor products. Akebono Group accounted 40% share of Japanese OEM disc
brake market.
Akebono’s OEM customers include: Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota, Nissan,
Honda, Mitsubishi, Isuzu and other global manufacturers including Porsche, GM, Ford,
Mercedes Benz etc.
Product range:
Automobile brakes (disc brakes, disc brake pads, drum brake linings, leading/tailing
shoe type, twin leading shoe type, duo-servo type)
Sensors (acceleration sensors, angular rate sensors and sensor clusters)
Concept brake
Section 1
AT A GLANCE
1. Brake components
2. Employees over 9,200 people
Akebono
Page 12
Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.
19-5, Nihonbashi Koami-cho
Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-8534
Tel: +81 (03) 3668 5171
Yoshimasa Ogino
Executive Vice President
Marco Jacob
OEM Sales
Yoshi Kawashima
Senior Engineer
Hirokazu Takabatake
Senior Purchasing Consultant

13. Akebono has a number of companies
and subsidiaries in Japan. Below is a list
of manufacturing plants.
Click here for a list of Global Akebono
locations.
Akebono Brake Yamagata Manufacturing
Co., Ltd.
161-3 Chuo Kogyo Danchi
Sagae-City, Yamagata, 991-0061
Tel: +81 (02) 3783 1111
Akebono Brake Fukushima
Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
10 Aza-Shinjuku, Oaza-Narita
Koori-machi, Date-gun
Fukushima, 969-1652
Tel: +81 (02) 4582 2191
Products: Manufacture of drum brake
linings, disc brake pads and other brake
components
Akebono Brake Iwatsuki Manufacturing
Co., Ltd.
1190 Oaza-Kanamuro,
Iwatsuki-ku, Saitama-City,
Saitama, 339-8601
Tel: +81 (04) 8794 4111
Products: Manufacture of disc brakes, drum
brakes and brake components
Akebono Brake Sanyo Manufacturing
Co., Ltd.
1966-8 Kushiro, Soja-City
Okayama, 710-1201
Tel: +81 (08) 6696 2111
Products: Manufacture of drum brakes and
wheel cylinders
13

14. Section 2
Japanese Automotive Suppliers
Page 14
The full version of the Japan AutoBook includes profiles of the following companies operating in Japan.
You can order your subscription to Japan AutoBook here.

15. Chapter 5
North
American
Tier 1
Photo: Adient

16. AAM is a leading, global Tier-One automotive supplier of driveline and
drivetrain systems and related components for light trucks, SUVs,
passenger cars, crossover vehicles and commercial vehicles. Globally,
the company employs over 13,500 people, in more than 30 locations in
over 13 countries.
The company supplies a wide range of customers including GM, Chrysler, Daimler,
Volkswagen, Audi, Scania, Tata Motors, Audi, Harley-Davidson, Mack Truck, John
Deere, Mahindra Navistar and Nissan. AAM's Tokyo Business Office is located in the
center of the region's automotive industry.
Product range:
Vehicle Architectures; Light Truck/SUV, Passenger Car/CUV, Passenger Car and
Commercial Vehicles
Driveline Systems; Rear Beam Axles, Rear Axle Systems, Front Axles, Driveshafts,
Multi-Piece Driveshafts, TracRite Axle Differentials, Torque Transfer Device, Electronic
Control Coupling, CZV Joints.
Drivetrain systems; Transfer Cases, Power Transfer Units, TracRite Transaxle &
Transfer Case Differentials.
Powertrain Components; Transmission/Transfer Case Components, Intake Manifolds,
Oil Pans, Bell Housings.
Chassis System Components; I-Ride Suspension Module and SmartBar Electronic
Stabilizer System.
Metal Formed Products; Power Transfer Unit/Transfer Case Components
Wheel Hubs & Spindles
Section 1
AT A GLANCE
1. US owned Automotive parts maker
2. Founded in 1994
3. Manufactures a wide range of automotive
products
American Axle and Manufacturing
Page 16
American Axle and Manufacturing
3-25-9 Hacchobori
Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0032
Email: salesmarketing@aam.com
Kenta Mitsui
Country Manager
Sachin Wankhede
Product Engineer
Hiroshi Iwata
Sales Manager

17. Section 2
North American Automotive Suppliers in Japan
Page 17
The full version of the Japan AutoBook includes profiles of the following companies operating in Japan.
You can order your subscription to Japan AutoBook here.

18. Chapter 6
German
Tier 1
Photo: Bosch

19. Brose Fahrzeugteile is the world’s fifth-largest family-owned
automotive supplier located in Germany. Their mechatronic
systems for doors, latches, seats or electric motors and drives
can be found in every second new vehicle around the world today.
There are about 24,000 Brose employees working at 60 locations in 23 countries
generating a turnover of approx. 5.2 billion euros. These mechatronic systems for doors,
seats or electric motors and drives can be found in every second new vehicle around
the world today.
Over 80 manufacturers and 40 suppliers rely on their efficiency and performance. More
than 24,000 employees at 60 locations in 23 countries guarantee quality and innovation.
Product range:
Door systems and window regulators
Systems for lift gates
Closure systems
Drive and electronics
Seat structures
Seat components
Drive and electronic systems
Systems for transmission applications
Engine cooling and drives for comfort and
safety.
Click here for a list of Brose Global
Locations.
Section 1
AT A GLANCE
1. German owned Automotive parts maker
producing mechatronic systems
2. Family owned company
Brose Fahrzeugteile
Page 19
Brose Japan Ltd.
KDX Nagoya Sakae Bldg., 1F
1-4-53 Sakae, Naka-ku
460-0008, Nagoya
Tel: +81 (05) 2238 9300
Stefan Halusa
President East Asia
Marc Autreve
Vice President Sales & Development
Patrick Fialek
Project Engineering

20. Section 2
Other German Tier 1 Companies
Page 20
The full version of the Japan AutoBook includes profiles of the following companies operating in Japan.
You can order your subscription to Japan AutoBook here.

21. Chapter 7
European
Tier 1
Photo: Grupo Antolin

22. Valeo is a French based multinational automotive supplier that was
founded in 1923. Valeo has a strong presence in Japan with multiple
manufacturing, R&D and management centers throughout Japan.
The company is organized into four main businesses, Thermal Systems, Visibility
Systems, Powertrain Systems and Comfort and Driving Assistance systems. Valeo has a
strong presence in Japan with multiple manufacturing, R&D and management centers
throughout Japan.
Product range:
Lighting Systems
Wiper Systems
Climate Control
Powertrain Thermal Systems
Climate Control Compressors
Front-End Modules
Electrical Systems
Transmission Systems
Combustion Engine Systems
Interior Controls
Connected Car
Driving Assistance
Click here to view a list of locations throughout Japan.
Section 1
AT A GLANCE
1. French owned Tier 1
2. Employees over 82,000 worldwide
3. Present in over 30 countries
Valeo
Page 22
Valeo Japon Co., Ltd.
3F Minamishinjuku Hoshino Bldg
5-23-13, Sendagaya Shibuya-Ku
151-0051, Tokyo
Tel: +81 (03) 3226 9203
Kazunori Murase
General Manager
Mohamed Hafdouni
Purchasing Director
Smith Lerdudomsak
Senior Project Engineer
Motoharu Kezuka
Sales and Marketing Manager

23. Section 2
European Automotive Suppliers in Japan
Page 23
The full version of the Japan AutoBook includes profiles of the following companies operating in Japan.
You can order your subscription to Japan AutoBook here.

24. Chapter 8
Asian
Tier 1
Photo: SMR

25. MINTH is a Chinese owned company that was established in 1992. The
company supplies a variety of companies with its automotive
products.
MINTH has now expanded to become a leading supplier in design, manufacturing and
sales of body structural parts, trims and decorative parts of passenger vehicles.
MINTH's production facilities have introduced many advanced production lines and the
processes include extrusion, co-extrusion, roll-forming, bending, stamping, injection,
surface treatment (which includes plastic & metal painting), plating, chroming, anodizing,
and more.
Product range:
Trim Parts (Windshield Molding, Inner Belt line Molding, Door Frame Opening
Molding, Sill Plate, Fender Trim, Run Channel Molding, Outer Belt line Molding,
Upper Reveal Molding, Roof Ditch Molding)
Decorative Parts (Front Delta Inner Cover, Rear Quarter Window, Door Handle
Assembly, Grill Assembly, Rear Deck lid, Mudguard Set, Logo Emblem Wheel
Covers, Rear Quarter Window, Rear Deck lid, Molding ASM-R, Body Side Molding,
Rear Deckled)
Body Structural Parts (Rear Door Sash, Front Door Sash, B-Pillar Cover, Guide Rail)
Seat Frame Systems (seat Sliding Rail,
Seat Rack)
Roof Rack
Others (Fuel Filler Lid, Front End Module,
Exhaust Pipe, Electric Sliding Door
System, Bumper Beam, Electric Door
Locks, Door Lock System, Wheel fender,
Electrical circuit boards)
Section 1
AT A GLANCE
1. Headquartered in China
MINTH
Page 25
MINTH Japan Ltd.
6-90-1 Onoecho, Naka-ku, Yokohama,
Kanagawa, 231-0015
Tel: +81 (04) 5680 5881
Jingjing Liang
Sales

26. Section 2
Asian Automotive Suppliers in Japan
Page 26
The full version of the Japan AutoBook includes profiles of the following companies operating in Japan.
You can order your subscription to Japan AutoBook here.

27. Chapter 9
Organizations
Photo: JAMA

28. Established in 1967, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers
Association, Inc. (JAMA) is a non-profit industry association which
comprises Japan's fourteen manufacturers of passenger cars,
trucks, buses and motorcycles.
Its organization today is the result of the merger of the Japan Motor Industrial Federation
(JMIF) and the Japan Automobile Industry Employers’ Association (JAIEA) with JAMA in
May, 2002.
Directly or indirectly, roughly 9% of Japan’s working population is involved in auto
industry-related work. Auto production furthermore accounts for 16% of the total value
of Japan’s manufacturing shipments and for 37% of the value of the machinery
industries’ combined shipments. The automotive industry is thus one of the Japanese
economy’s core industrial sectors. The globalization of auto manufacturing also
contributes significantly to local and national economies around the world.
JAMA works to support the sound development of Japan’s automobile industry and to
contribute to social and economic welfare. As directions in auto manufacturing
increasingly influence the world
we live in, JAMA takes its role
and mission ever more
seriously, on the road to
sustainable mobility.
Section 1
AT A GLANCE
1. Automotive organization
2. Based in Japan
3. Established in 1967
JAMA
Page 28
Japan Automobile Manufacturers
Association, Inc. (JAMA)
Jidosha Kaikan, 1-30, Shiba Daimon 1-chome
Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0012
Tadataka Kashiwagi
Group Chief

29. Section 2
Automotive Organizations in Japan
Page 29
The full version of the Japan AutoBook includes profiles of the following organizations operating in
Japan. You can order your subscription to Japan AutoBook here.

30. Chapter 10
Events
Photo: Automotive World

31. AUTOMOTIVE WORLD is a combination of exhibitions &
conference.
Advanced automotive technology conference. Automakers and leading suppliers will
talk about autonomous driving technology, electrification, MaaS, connected cars,
battery revolution, and lightweight technologies, etc.
Section 1
AT A GLANCE
1. 16-18 January 2019
2. Tokyo International Exhibition Center
3. Matchmaking opportunities
Automotive World Technical Conference
Page 31
Event Location
Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition
Center)
Organizer: Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd.
18F Shinjuku-Nomura Bldg.
1-26-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 163-0570
Tel: +81 (03) 3349 8519
Email: car@reedexpo.co.jp

32. Section 2
Automotive Events in Japan
Page 32
The full version of the Japan AutoBook includes profiles of the following organizations operating in
Japan. You can order your subscription to Japan AutoBook here.

34. Nikkei Automotive is Japan’s first comprehensive magazine
that devotes editorial content not only to automotive
technology updates but also to related engineering areas
such as environmental protection, precision and appliances.
Its target readers are engineers engaged in research, development and manufacturing of
automobiles, automotive parts/materials and facilities. Key advertising clients include
manufacturers of electronic and other automobile parts, makers of industrial precision
robots for factory use, and developers of measuring components/software.
Section 1
AT A GLANCE
1. A news outlet that covers all aspects of
the Auto industry.
Nikkei Automotive
Page 34
Nikkei Business Publications, Inc.
Global Strategy Department
1-17-3, Shirokane, Minato-ku
Tokyo 108 8646
Tel: +81 (03) 6811 8311
Email: i-sales@nikkeibp.co.jp

35. Acknowledgements
Photo: Honda

36. about this book
xxxvi
© 2018 Kaiser International Limited
Publisher: Uli Kaiser
uli@autobook.biz
Editorial Contact: Tilmann Kaiser
tilmann@autobook.biz
Thanks to everyone supporting this publication with resources, information, data,
feedback.
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