JAMA in America: Annual Data Release Highlights Japanese-Brand Automakers’ Significant Investment in the U.S. Economy

Japanese-Brand Automakers’ Cumulative Manufacturing Investment Reaches $61.6 billion in 2023

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the manufacturing sector continues to drive the U.S. economy, Japanese-brand automakers’ investments are a vital part of that story through job creation, vehicle production, and overall cumulative investment. Japanese-brand automakers’ ongoing and steady commitment to the U.S. automotive industry helps bolster U.S. economic competitiveness.

As a direct reflection of the robust economic ties between the two countries, Japan has been the top provider of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States for the past four consecutive years. Since first starting U.S. production in 1982, Japanese-brand automakers have contributed to the U.S. economy through continued, significant investment in American manufacturing and now operate 24 manufacturing plants, 43 R&D and design facilities and 69 distributions centers in communities across 27 states.

Notably, Japanese-brand automakers hit a record high $61.6 billion in cumulative manufacturing investment in 2023 as they continued to expand, retool, and modernize their facilities. Furthermore, vehicle production rebounded to near pre-pandemic levels in 2023 at over 3.2 million vehicles, representing nearly one-third of all vehicles produced in the U.S. This year’s data release also highlights how Japanese-brand automakers directly employ over 109,000 U.S workers, another increase from last year.

“Japanese-brand automakers are vital to the U.S. economy, investing over $61.6 billion in their 24 U.S. manufacturing facilities over the last four decades. Our members are major job creators across the U.S. and directly support thousands of substantive careers befitting a 21st-century workforce and support millions more when accounting for suppliers and other spin-off jobs,” said Anita Rajan, General Director of JAMA USA. “Japanese-brand automakers have a legacy of driving excellence through forging local partnerships, investing in their workforce, and focusing on technological progress that spurs innovation toward a future that meets the needs of all American consumers. We are proud of our member companies’ continued investment in the United States and the strong, enduring economic partnership between the U.S. and Japan.”

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA) is a non-profit industry association that comprises Japan's fourteen manufacturers of passenger cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. The JAMA USA office is located in Washington, D.C.

To learn more about the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) USA, follow us on Twitter/X @JapanAutosUSA, LinkedIn, or visit JAMAinAmerica.org.