Akio Toyoda, Chairman
Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) would like to express its deep sorrow over the loss of life attributable to COVID-19 and its heartfelt sympathy to all those who are struggling anxiously to deal with the situation resulting from the outbreak of the disease. We take this opportunity to express our profound respect and appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the medical personnel and national and local government authorities who are, day and night, on the front line in the fight against the new coronavirus.

In order to inhibit the spread of infection in Japan, the central government has today issued a declaration of a state of emergency applicable to Tokyo and six prefectures.* JAMA supports the government’s decision in this regard, taken on the basis of giving first priority to the health and lives of people in Japan. For its part, the Japanese automobile industry is considering how best it can be of assistance at this time of national crisis and the measures to be adopted to that end.

First, we will move rapidly to help curb the spread of infection and support the response of the nation’s health-care system by putting to work not only our industry’s manufacturing and logistical know-how but also our global supply chains. As we strive to contribute to the protection of people’s lives, we will also commit to continuing our business operations, supporting economic activity, and strengthening our competitiveness even in the midst of grappling with this crisis, in order to help prevent the further deterioration of the Japanese economy.

Although the end of this situation is not within sight, the world will eventually overcome the threat of COVID-19. When that time comes, the Japanese automobile industry intends to play a leading role in the recovery and safeguarding of manufacturing and employment in Japan. JAMA member companies take their responsibilities as a core industry seriously and will continue to act accordingly.

*Note to our readers: The state of emergency was extended on April 16 to include the rest of the country.