Japan govt, carmakers to discuss industry's future as early as October

JAPANESE Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said he hopes to hold a meeting by the government and the heads of carmakers to talk about the future of the auto industry as early as next month, Kyodo news agency said on Sunday (Sep 11).

“The automobile industry is entering a period of major transformation,” Nishimura told reporters on Saturday in California where he visited Toyota Motor Corp’s research facilities, Kyodo reported.

The head of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry was visiting the United States to attend the US-led Indo Pacific Economic Framework trade negotiations.

“We would like to discuss the early introduction of autonomous driving and measures to promote its widespread use,” Nishimura said.

In the meeting, to be joined by Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida with relevant ministers and leaders of carmakers, the roles of the auto industry in a decarbonised society will be also on the agenda, he said.

Kishida unveiled the idea of the meeting on a June visit to a Toyota plant. REUTERS