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Early morning, I went to the Shinjyuin Temple in Koishikawa to offer a incense stick to late Mr. Shigeo Shionoya. Although his funeral was held at this temple later, I could see Mrs. Shionoya and told her personally my sincere condolence.
Then I attended a joint press meeting of General Motors Group in the Asia Pacific Region (General Motors, Isuzu, Suzuki and Fuji Heavy Industries) held at Westin Hotel in Ebisu, Tokyo from 13:00.
In spite of terrorism attack, Mr. John F. Smith Jr., Chairman, Mr. Richard Wagoner, President and CEO, Mr. Robert Lutz, Vice Chairman, Mr. Mark Hogan, President of e-GM, Mr.Rudolf Shreis, President of GM Asia Pacific were present from General Motors. Mr. Yoshinori Ida, President of Isuzu, Mr. Osamu Suzuki, President of Suzuki and Mr. Tsuyoshi Tanaka, President of Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) joined them.
Mr. Smith explained the Asia Pacific region continues to expand rapidly, despite the recent economic slowdown. Overall automotive industry growth in Asia Pacific is expected to be about 8.5 million units between now and 2010. This is greater than the expected combined growth in all other regions of the world. Asia Pacific is a key to any global automaker's long-term success. The power of four has made GM, Isuzu, Suzuki and FHI the region's second largest automotive group, with 17 percent of the market.
GM contributes strengths in research and development, technology, purchasing, distribution, vehicle platforms and in e-commerce; Isuzu is the center of expertise for diesel engines; Suzuki is the center of expertise for small-cars and small displacement engines; FHI is the center of expertise for all-wheel drive technology and continuously variable transmissions.
During the joint press conference, they demonstrate how the group was making efforts jointly to strengthen their team spirit and to promote the development of their products. A part of their cooperative works resulted in the announcement of new Chevrolet Cruze which is put on sale soon,
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| Mr. Wagoner is a former basket ball player, naturally taller than 180 centimeters. He demonstrated he could ride on a new Chevrolet Cruze easily. |
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Then he explained the e-Cruze himself. The car has the same dimensions as of standard Cruze. It is a compact lifestyle concept vehicle that brings a host of internet and communication services to the driver and passengers. He showed how to push buttons for operating IT equipments installed on the car, sitting on a front seat. His move inside the car was put on a big screen at the hall.
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Mr Ida, Isuzu Motor, reported that the reconstruction plan of his company has been executed in good order. Then he unveiled a concept model of his so-called ultimate pick-up truck. |
Mr. Suzuki, Suzuki Motor, unveiled a full size concept model of very small passenger car. It is a dream car of him.
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Mr. Tanaka said that he would continue to promote the production of vehicles with horizontal opposite engines. But he said he also to develop the vehicles with straight engines for GM. He showed its trial model.
GM increased the domestic sales volume remarkably in September and October due to zero interest rate finance. They overcome not only the bad effects of terrorist challenge but increased the sales volume substantially. They seemed to have quite a confidence in their day to day management and also their alliance strategy, I think.