RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC — A 24-member delegation from the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI), led by current president Greg Potter of Chief Automotive Systems, met with Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota in Japan earlier this month. The visit marked the 17th annual ETI Japan Tech Week, co-sponsored by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). This year the meeting attracted a record number of ETI participants, up 60 percent from the last time the event was held in Japan in 2002.
The briefings, held at Mazda, Honda and JAMA facilities in Hiroshima, Motegi and Tokyo respectively, provided ETI members with the opportunity to review 2005 vehicle models and ensure new tool and diagnostic services would meet OEM service requirements. This year, ETI members were able to select the topics for presentation and request detailed explanations on specific questions. With information gained at the technical exchanges, ETI member companies will be able to develop tools and equipment to properly service 2005 Japanese-branded vehicles sold in the U.S.
“These exchanges are important to both JAMA and ETI. They are the cornerstone in our continuing efforts to increase cooperation and information between the two organizations,” said Toshihiro Iwatake, senior director general of JAMA’s International Department. “We were delighted that so many ETI members were able to participate. It shows that their companies are continuing to gain valuable insights and information, which in the end, benefit American car owners through quality service of their vehicles.”
In 2005, Japan Tech Week will be held in California as part of a new schedule of alternating the meeting place between Japan and the U.S. every other year.
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