July 12, 2018

Chairman’s Comment on the Devastation Caused by Torrential Rains in Western Japan
Akio Toyoda, Chairman, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.

Massive flooding and landslides triggered by the torrential rains that have struck primarily western Japan in recent days have caused the deeply distressing loss of many lives as well as extensive damage to property. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) mourns those who have perished and extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and all the other victims of this disaster.

The extremely heavy rainfall has also caused setbacks for automotive parts suppliers and other partners in the automobile industry. JAMA is gearing up to address these challenges to the best of its ability, placing priority on the protection of human life and regional recovery.

In addition to the widespread death and destruction caused by the disaster, there are also dozens of people who remain unaccounted for and I would like to express my profound sympathy to their families and other loved ones as they struggle to deal with this heart-wrenching reality. For all of us at JAMA and throughout the Japanese automobile industry, the victims of this tragedy will be foremost in our minds as we determine how to respond most effectively to this grievous state of affairs.