Japanese automakers are set to strengthen collaboration in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) and automotive software sectors to maintain their global competitiveness, as outlined in the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association’s (JAMA) “JAMA Vision 2035.” This strategic plan aims to address key challenges in the industry over the next decade.
One focus of collaboration is the development of next-generation charging technologies, which will help reduce charging times, as well as the standardisation of semiconductor and battery specifications. Additionally, automakers will work on designing recyclable batteries to support sustainability efforts.
In the automotive software domain, which is seen as crucial for next-generation vehicles, Japanese manufacturers will unite to standardise in-car operating systems and share data on advanced driver-assistance systems. The move comes as Japanese companies face heightened competition from emerging Chinese manufacturers, whose advancements have disrupted Japan’s competitive edge in the global automotive market, according to national broadcaster NHK.
With the automotive industry undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation, JAMA noted that many of these challenges cannot be overcome by individual companies alone. Enhancing collaboration, the association stressed, is essential to bolstering the competitiveness of Japanese automakers on the global stage.
