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America's Car Companies Praise U.S. Stance on Japan Trade Practices

10 October 1997

America's Car Companies Praise U.S. Stance on Japan Trade Practices

    WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- Andrew H. Card, Jr., President & CEO
of the American Automobile Manufacturers Association, issued the following
statement today on the Second Annual Consultation between the U.S. and
Japanese governments on the U.S.-Japan Automotive Agreement.  The Consultation
concluded in San Francisco October 9.
    "It is regrettable that the second annual review of the U.S.-Japan auto
trade agreement produced no new commitments from Japan to do more to reverse
the auto trade imbalance.
    "The good news is that the U.S. government, supported by the European
Union, Canada, and Australia, delivered a strong and unmistakable message to
Japan.  That message is that the Japanese government must take concrete,
proactive steps to deregulate and open its automotive market.  We especially
appreciate the hard work of U.S. negotiators.
    "It is important to recognize the excessively weak yen makes it more
difficult for American vehicle and parts manufacturers to sell their products
in Japan.  The excessively weak yen is a problem on both sides of the Pacific.
    "America's Car Companies remain committed to the Japanese market and to
providing the Japanese consumer with more choices in vehicles. We will
continue to work with the U.S. government to pursue the goals of the 1995
agreement."
    AAMA is the trade association whose members are Chrysler Corporation, Ford
Motor Company and General Motors Corporation.  Visit AAMA's site on the World
 Wide Web at http://www.aama.com.

SOURCE  American Automobile Manufacturers Association