April 19, 2016

JAMA Chairman’s Comment on the Kumamoto Earthquakes
Fumihiko Ike, Chairman, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.

On behalf of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association and all of its members, I would like to extend our most profound sympathy and condolences to the people of Kumamoto Prefecture and neighboring areas for the loss of life and destruction they have experienced as a result of the earthquakes that have struck the island of Kyushu since April 14.

Amid ongoing search-and-rescue operations, a massive number of people have been forced to flee their damaged or demolished homes to live in evacuation centers.  Providing them with assistance and support for the soonest possible recovery is of the utmost urgency.

Automakers, auto parts suppliers, and other auto industry operators in the affected regions have also been impacted by the disaster.　　As aftershocks continue, and while still assessing the extent of the damage incurred, JAMA member manufacturers are gearing up for the recovery effort even as they work to secure their operations in the stricken areas.