jama speaks at the 3rd indonesia international automotive ... · other speakers such as the...

JAMA speaks at the 3rd Indonesia International Automotive Conference (IIAC) in July 2008.

In conjunction with the 16th Indonesia International Motor Show, GAIKINDO, the Indonesian's automotive industry association, organized the 3rd Indonesia International Automotive Conference (IIAC) in Jakarta on 12 July 2008. More than 150 participants including Government officials, industry representatives and media attended the conference.

The IIAC aimed to address the current global topics for environmental issues related to energy conservation, alternative energies, global warming and to anticipate the latest development in automotive technology. "Save the future. Go green" was the theme of the conference

As the conference's keynote speaker, Dr. Edi Putra Irawadi, Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Affairs, briefed the audience on Indonesia's principle of sustainable growth in terms of environmental policies such as energy conservation programs, as well as on the technical front to improve infrastructure. A representative from the Ministry of Research & Technology on Alternative and Renewal Energy also shared its experience and expertise on alternative and renewal energy, highlighting the benefits of fuel cell.

Other speakers such as the Ministry of Industry and Indonesian Investment Coordination Board

(BKPM) spoke on industry technology and engineering, industry development strategies as well as investment policies.

From the private sector, JAMA's President and Vice-Chairman, Mr. Nao, was invited to speak at the event. In line with the theme of the Conference, Mr. Nao shared with the audience the activities and efforts by JAMA to reduce CO2 emissions in the road transport sector.

Against the backdrop of current situation of the global economy facing rising oil prices, Mr. Nao pointed out that energy conservation is indispensable for sustainable economic growth, thus in the road transport sector particularly, reducing CO2 emissions is imperative to addressing climate change and conserving energy.

The 3rd Indonesia International Automotive Conference

News From ASEANPART 1_1

vol.31 1

3131A U G U S T 2 0 0 8 V O L U M E

Being committed to reduce its emission of greenhouse gas to 6% below the 1990 level by 2010 under the Kyoto Protocol, Japan's transport sector is on its way to meeting the target. This is made possible by measures in increased fuel efficiency, improved traffic flow and more efficient use of motor vehicles.

It was pointed out at the Conference that, in particular, Japan's fuel efficiency target for passenger cars was reached in 2003, partly due to the application of continuous technology development by JAMA member companies.

Besides improving fuel efficiency of gasoline and diesel vehicles, Japanese automakers spare no efforts in developing alternative-energy vehicles such as hybrid vehicles which are gradually becoming popular, flex-fuel vehicles, electric vehicles, fuel-cell vehicles and hydrogen vehicles.

A more widespread use of alternative-energy vehicles could be possible with governmental support in terms of incentives such as Japan's "green tax" scheme--tax reductions for the purchase of low-emission and fuel-efficient vehicles. On top of other financial incentives for ensuring cost reductions, securing a supply of energy and material resources is important too.

Japan also looked at improving traffic flow to reduce CO2 emissions in the road transport sector. Measures such as road network upgrades and application of ITS technologies aid in enabling increased vehicle speed and hence

smoother traffic flow. Next JAMA explained the benefits of eco-

driving. Having been widely practiced by truck drivers in Japan, eco-driving has to be promoted to drivers of passenger cars too.

Moving on to a global perspective, Japan recommends the road transport sectors worldwide to share each country's best practices for reduction of CO2 emissions.

In closing, Mr. Nao assured that JAMA works continuously to promote road transport CO2 reduction not just in Japan but also internationally.

At the end of the speeches, enthusiastic questions were raised from the audience with regard to Japan's use of fuel cell and bio-fuel technology, illustrating the increased awareness of and keenness in these current issues in Indonesia.

Mr. Nao speaking at the conference.

vol.31 2


The ASEAN Automotive Federation is a regional industry association consisting of automotive industry associations from the ten ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam). News from JAMA hears from Mr. Bambang Trisulo, the President of AAF (Chairman of GAIKINDO--automotive industry association in Indonesia), to find out its take on some current issues facing the automotive industries in ASEAN countries. 　

NFJ: Could you introduce to our readers the roles and current activities of AAF?

Mr. Bambang: I assumed the post of President from September 2006. First of all our vision is to align understanding among automobile industry associations in ASEAN. By "align" it doesn't mean we all engage in the same activities, rather, we are aware of one another's activities, and when there is a policy or need of same understanding, we meet up to try to establish our common policy. Our mission is to work hand-in-hand with our industries and governments to try to link between the government policies and ASEAN. We have five Technical Committees (TC) which consist of chairmen from different ASEAN countries. We used to always have back-to-back meetings with other events but recently AAF had its own first meeting in Bali, with complete

reports from each TC.

NFJ: Please tell us more about each TC.

Mr. Bambang: TC1 is Economic Cooperation Committee, involving policies, economic matters, such as EPA partnership agreements, AICO schemes etc. TC2, the Development of Supporting Industries and Human Resources Committee, handles SMEs (small and medium enterprises). We discuss cooperation plans with AMEICC WGAI (Working Group on the Automobile Industry) or APEC Automotive Dialogue. We established a SME WG and propose to have some activities supported by APEC members.TC3, the Technical Development Committee, is more technical, discussing harmonization of technical regulations and fuel specifications. Our common goal is to go for Euro 4 but we

vol.31 3


A special interview with Mr. Bambang Trisulo, the President of ASEAN Automotive Federation

also leave it to individual countries to decide. TC4 is the Statistics and Information Committee and deals with statistics and data, volume, markets, production, models. Now we are also discussing possibility of developing and expanding the activities of this committee to take up bigger issues. Finally we have TC5, the Motorcycle Committee handling two-wheelers. Recently in the AAF meeting in Bali, TC2 discussed about Automotive Services Mechanics training for CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam). This idea was from Japan and AAF. This idea was from Japan and AAF. Indonesia started the first organizing last year and carried out training to mechanics from CLMV. Next it is Thailand's turn and its idea is to train the trainers.

NFJ: Is there anything you specially pay attention to when proceeding with AAF activities?

Mr. Bambang: AAF is made up of members from different countries so we have to keep in mind the differences in the current situations of each country while proceeding with our activities. It is also important to maintain good relations with the various government authorities when moving ahead with our activities.To the government, we are like the mediator and also a proponent. For example the harmonization of technical regulations or fuel specification is a major issue for AAF members. AAF will first work towards a common voice representing the industry before

we talk to our governments.There is a WGIC under the AEM (ASEAN Economic Ministers meeting). AAF takes part in this working group as an automobile industry association. Developing SMEs is important so recently AAF has also started to join the SME WG under the WGIC, which is trying to promote a scheme of "one village, one product". By this, we come to understand what the governments are doing too.

NFJ: The region is in a period of uncertainty, facing many challenges such as increase in cost of raw materials, price of crude oil etc. How does AAF deal with this?

Mr. Bambang: Yes, there is also inflation in food, crisis in exchange rates, interest rates. The challenge for each country is different and the countermeasure would be different too. For e.g. Indonesia considers that the local oil price increase was triggered by the world oil price increase, which had an impact on inflation and interest rates and weakened the buying power of the lower income group. The state budget therefore has to be controlled and adjusted to adapt to rapid changes currently taking place across the globe. Each country deals with it differently and we can learn from each other's countermeasure. We try to integrate all data through TC4 compiling information on percentage of increase or decrease, export etc and then we discuss how to help one another and the planning for the challenges. Therefore we are looking at TC4 to be expanded to involve planning. As TC1 also discusses the

vol.31 4


relationship with Asia, and market review, we will talk about the current situation and the future.

NFJ: The competition in the automobile industries is intensifying not only within the individual country but in the region too. What are your thoughts on the competition the ASEAN automobile industries are facing from China or India, which are seeing rapid growth?

Mr. Bambang: China and India are common rivals for ASEAN. Therefore boosting the competitiveness of ASEAN is extremely important. We have to work towards integration of ASEAN as soon as possible. EPA also helps to strengthen competitiveness so we welcome the conclusion of the AJCEP (ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership). ASEAN needs to advance towards the common goal of strengthened competitiveness.

NFJ: What do you think are some of the issues facing the future of AAF?

Mr. Bambang: It is natural that individual countries in ASEAN would act based on their national interest. Of course there will also be gaps in the growth of the countries. But there should not be just one country benefiting.Similarly, it is important for AAF members to all grow together. As the President, I have to be neutral and adopt a balance.

NFJ: What is your expectation of the JAMA-AAF meeting?

Mr. Bambang: Japanese automobile manufacturers have a big presence in ASEAN so dialogue with JAMA is important. We hope to continue to deepen our cooperative relationship with JAMA.

vol.31 5


Friends of JAMA

At the Heart of Research in the Automobile IndustryJARI - Japan Automobile Research Institute

Dr. Masahiko Hori,a Senior Research Adviser at JARI

Although it is difficult to imagine now, when Japanese cars were first exported to the United States in the 1950s, they were not suitable for use on American freeways. To overcome this barrier, a high-speed proving ground was established in Yatabe in Ibaragi prefecture. The history of JARI began with the maintenance and supervision of this facility. In 1969, the organisation changed to become a public corporation responsible for general automobile research and for contributing to the healthy development of a society with automobiles at its heart. Since then JARI

has developed in tandem with the Japanese automotive industry.

Currently, in addition to contributing to creating deeper ties with the automobile industry in a huge range of areas, such as energy, environment, safety, information, electronics, and communication, JARI is conducting pioneering research into the future of the automobile. Through the promotion of less-polluting cars, it is actively working to contribute to the development of a 21st century society with automobiles at its heart, playing a positive role.

Focusing on the activities of JARI overseas, and particularly in Asia, we spoke to Dr. Masahiko Hori, a Senior Research Adviser at JARI.

NFJ: Could you tell us about the activities JARI

has been involved with overseas, particulary in Asia?

Dr. Hori: JARI attaches great importance to building strong bonds with automotive research

organisations in other Asian countries. We have been working alongside the Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI) on developing improved technology for measuring emissions from car exhausts. We have also actively worked with the China Automotive Technology and Research Centre (CATARC), exchanging technical information. We have accepted research students from CATARC and offered guidance to them on technical issues on many occasions.

Additionally, we have held “round-table discussions” in Thailand, China and Indonesia aimed at aiding the exchange of information on environmental issues and discussing ways to improve issues related to energy. The number of participants in these discussions is growing year on year, and recently these seminars have been attended by around 150 people.

vol.31 6

News From JAPANPART 3 _1

JARI’s new driving test tracks

JARI Thailand Round Table 2007

NFJ: Measures to reduce environmental impact are a pressing concern in Asia, aren’t they?

Dr. Hori: As you know, the AAF (ASEAN Automotive Federation) is at the heart of these efforts among ASEAN countries, and is aiming to introduce the European standards for emissions (EURO4) by 2010. But cleaning up emissions demands a multi-faceted approach. For instance, strengthening the regulations on vehicle emissions cannot be achieved without the introduction of auto exhaust catalysts, and to keep these functioning it is vital to reduce the sulfur content of fuel. In Japan, there is the Law on the Quality Control of Gasoline and Other Fuels governing the quality of fuel; it would be effective to introduce this in the other ASEAN countries. JARI is actively working to encourage the introduction of these kinds of standards to improve the quality of fuel, and in countries that have already introduced these standards, we are working to educate and encourage them so that these standards are fully implemented. To achieve this, we have held seminars in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. We have also tabled proposals on the improvement of fuel quality and measures to make cars more environmentally friendly at the AMEICC WG-AI (Working Group of the Automobile Industry). Also, at the EST Forum (a discussion of environmentally sustainable transport systems held by Japan, Indonesia, Singapore etc.) organized by the Ministry of the Environment and the UNCRD (United Nations

Centre for Regional Development), JARI participates as an advisory expert and informed them to improve air quality by introduction of cleaner fuels.

NFJ: In the field of automotive research, JARI has superb facilities both for the soft and hard aspects of this research. How precisely are these facilities utilized?

Dr. Hori: Basically, we receive requests from automobile manufacturers and the government,

and in order to conduct testing and research, we aim to be able to adapt and to be flexible to meet this wide variety of needs. Based on increased awareness of safety and environmental issues, we do research on a whole range of aspects of automobiles including safety during collisions, accident prevention, ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems), protection of the atmosphere, the impact of vehicle emissions on people’s health, fuel cells, and road performance tests. In order to do all of this, we are equipped with a wide range of testing facilities. These include facilities for the testing of vehicles ranging from motorcycles to heavy duty vehicles, and we aim to be able to contribute to the development of the automotive industry and to each individual automobile manufacturer.

NFJ: Finally, could you tell us about JARI’s goals for this year as well as future plans for research and activities overseas?

vol.31 7


Light duty vehicle exhaust gas emissions test system

Car-to-car offset frontal crash test

Dummies for use in impact tests

Dr. Hori: Currently each manufacturer spends huge budgets to do their own applied research and development. At universities, it is chiefly fundamental research that takes place. For these reasons, JARI does research that differs from these: we are putting our energy into work that can be used across the whole industry such as establishing the procedures for testing, establishing standards and forming the basis for testing. This year, we plan to focus our attention as a matter of priority on issues such as responding to the energy problem, preventing global warming, reducing the impact of automobiles on the environment, promoting the introduction of electric vehicles, reduction of road traffic accidents — both preventing these accidents from occurring and also minimizing the damage when these accidents do occur —

reducing the impact of collisions and improving the environment for car users. However, there are also a large number of issues we need to do our own research to tackle, relating to the core technologies of the future. This year, we also plan to focus on ITS and issues relating to the improved environment for drivers due to the increasing means of communication and information technology in cars.

Overseas, and particularly in Asia, we want to utilize the foreign networks we have developed up to now and carry out joint research, campaign to promote the establishment of automotive standards in ASEAN countries, as well as to provide all sorts of technical support. Currently, the East Asian EPA and ERIA (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia) have requested that JARI cooperate in promoting closer economic unity in East Asia, and we plan to work actively in response to this request.

I think of aspects of JARI’s role as being similar to a kind of lubricating oil. People take it for granted that things should run smoothly; if they stop running well, the engine will stop. If things don’t go well, people will get angry but even if things do go smoothly, you don’t often get praised for it! (laughs) If the activities of JARI serve to prevent the policies of the government or local authorities from going in the wrong direction, we are pleased with that. As an automobile research centre built by the automotive industry, we are a uniquely Japanese organization, without equivalents in other countries worldwide. For this reason, we want to utilize our uniqueness and constantly strive to broaden the field of our activities in the future.

NFJ: Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak to us today. It was a very interesting and informative discussion.

vol.31 8


Horyuji

Shosoin

Asura at Kofukuji

Walking through NaraIn the middle of May this year, I paid my

first visit to the city of Nara in over two

decades. After such a long interval, it was

as if I were seeing the temples of Horyuji and

Kofukuji, the Nigatsudo Hall and the Shosoin

Treasure House at Todaiji for the first time. I

was reminded how pleasant spring can be in

Japan when a blissful May breeze blew gently through

the grounds at Horyuji. It seemed impossible that this

temple was built 1,300 years ago. It is the oldest

wooden building in the world, yet its value lies not in its

age but rather in the fact that it represents the

quintessence of East Asian civilization.

Contemplating the statues of Judaideshi (the ten great

disciples of Buddha) and the Hachibushu (eight legions)

at Kofukuji, I was overwhelmed by their sheer power and

by their superb craftsmanship. After that, seeing the Silk

Road paintings by the contemporary Japanese artist

Ikuo Hirayama was an anti-climax; they struck me as

weak and lacking expressiveness. When those statues

were carved, Nara was at the very apex of East Asian

culture. What does that fact signify? Culture, we know,

is underwritten by wealth. In other words, 1,300 years

ago—no, from significantly before that time—Japan may

well have been the wealthiest region in East Asia.

True, Japanese scholars were sent to Sui Dynasty and

Tang Dynasty China (580-907 AD) to study a wide

variety of

s u b j e c t s .

But, I

r e f l e c t e d ,

over the

c e n t u r i e s

didn’t vastly

greater numbers of Chinese set their sights on this rich,

new world and decide to make their way here? Surely

this is demonstrated by the evidence of the legend of Xu

Fu—a sorcerer at the court of the Qin Dynasty who is

said to have come to Japan in the third century

BC—that is to be found throughout Japan.

So who built the culture of Nara? Those long-ago

immigrants from China, or people from the Korean

peninsula? Neither, I believe. Ethnic Chinese people in

Singapore do not refer to themselves as “Chinese”—they

are Singaporean. In the same way, the builders of Nara

and its culture were Japanese, certainly. Tori Busshi, the

creator of the Shaka Triad in Horyuji’s Kondo Hall, was

the grandson of Shiba Tatto, a Chinese immigrant to

Japan, but he was, unquestionably, Japanese.

Walking through Nara again after so many years, I

pondered the origins of the Japanese. Nara’s culture

was, without a doubt, created by Japanese people, but if

one refers to that culture as Japanese, one encounters

some resistance. From the perspective of (southern East

Asian) Singapore, Nara represents a treasure trove of

East Asian culture. In fact, Nara itself is a veritable

Shosoin Treasure House.

By: Hiroyuki Nakamura

[Editor’s note: The Shosoin Treasure House is a wooden building containing some 9,000 East Asian artifacts from the 7th and 8th centuries AD.]

vol.31 9

From the SidelinesPART 4

Head OfficeJidosha Kaikan, 1-30, Shiba Daimon

1-Chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0012 Japan

Tel : +81-3-5405-6126

Fax: +81-3-5405-6136

URL: http://www.jama-english.jp

Singapore Representative Office143 Cecil Street #09-03/04 GB Bldg., Singapore 069542Tel : +65-6221-5057Fax: +65-6221-5072Contact: Ms Tan Soon ChengEmail: [email protected]

jama speaks at the 3rd indonesia international automotive ... · other speakers such as the...

Documents