Japan is the world’s fourth largest passenger car market after China, the US, and the EU. European importers are particularly strong in the luxury segments of the market.
Car ownership by household is broadly comparable to that in the EU, but as a result of the declining birth-rate and the ageing population, the overall market is unlikely to expand substantially in the mid-term. Changes in the pattern of consumer spending and environmental concerns will affect the mix of car models sold in Japan. The committee works to achieve regulatory changes that can reduce the cost of doing business and ensure that European safety and environmental technology is available to the Japanese consumer in a timely manner.