Northern Kyushu is seeing an accelerating trend toward agglomeration and development as a production base for the automotive industry, with automakers increasing production and expanding their facilities, and subsequent entry and capital investment by primary parts manufacturers. This is having a significant ripple effect on the region, such as local parts procurement, and is presenting a unique business opportunity for local companies.

In February 2006, companies within the prefecture came together to establish the Oita Prefecture Automotive-Related Companies Association with the aim of promoting new entrants and expanding trade in the automotive-related industry.

The number of member companies has grown to 147 (as of May 9, 2025), and in collaboration with the prefecture, which has formulated the Oita Prefecture Automotive-Related Industry Promotion Program, the association is working to improve the technical capabilities of member companies, secure orders, and develop human resources.

With the support and cooperation of 28 primary parts manufacturers from within and outside the prefecture, including Daihatsu Kyushu Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Kyushu Co., Ltd., and Nissan Motor Kyushu Co., Ltd., as well as related industry, academia, and government organizations, our association works to enable member companies to further improve their technological capabilities and cost-reduction capabilities and develop together with automobile manufacturers and primary parts manufacturers.

The Annual General Meeting for fiscal year 2025 was held on Friday, July 11th at the Rembrandt Hotel Oita.

The meeting was attended by 131 people from member organizations and related organizations, including Governor Sato, Special Advisors Hino, President and CEO of Daihatsu Kyushu Co., Ltd., Ashizawa, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Kyushu Co., Ltd., Hattori, Director and Plant Manager of Nissan Shatai Kyushu Co., Ltd., and Harada, General Manager of the Production Planning Department of Toyota Motor Kyushu Co., Ltd.

The business report and financial statements for fiscal year 2024, as well as the business plan and budget for fiscal year 2025, were discussed and unanimously approved.

In addition, Katsuhiro Hino of Daihatsu Kyushu Co., Ltd. gave a speech titled "Daihatsu Kyushu's Initiatives," and economic journalist Hisao Inoue gave a speech titled "Outlook and Challenges for Japan's Rapidly Changing Core Automotive Industry: Trends in Industry Restructuring and the Impact of the Trump Administration."

The networking event held after the general meeting was also attended by 81 people, deepening mutual friendships between manufacturers, member companies, and related organizations.