People

Japanese-brand automakers would not be where they are today without investing in people.

Through manufacturing, R&D, design, and distribution investments across 27 states; auto industry and high-tech sector partnerships, collaboration with academic/research institutions and U.S. government agencies; and workforce development/science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education programs, JAMA members continue to demonstrate their commitment to the American auto industry and the American people.

The below examples are just a small portion of the work Japanese-brand automakers do to ensure that their communities’ needs are met, that their workers are prepared for the next generation of manufacturing, and that the engineers of tomorrow are being supported today.

Mitsubishi Motors

In 2022, Mitsubishi Motors partnered with military veterans’ charity Record the Journey to contest the Rebelle Rally for a third consecutive year. Record the Journey works to highlight the challenges military veterans face when returning from active duty. Mitsubishi is incredibly proud to support these brave and strong women navigate the rough terrain of the Nevada and California desert.

Toyota

This past year Toyota’s Product Cybersecurity Group (PCG) participated in the CyberAuto Challenge; a workforce training event designed to kick-start student interest in automotive cybersecurity. The CyberAuto Challenge teams up high school, college, and post-graduate students with industry professionals to learn about automotive cybersecurity.

Nissan

As part of Ambition 2030, Nissan is making a tremendous investment in its Mississippi workforce as part of the company’s effort to deliver exciting, electrified vehicles and technological innovations. The $500 million will transform the Canton, MS assembly plant to build all-new Nissan and Infiniti EV models starting in 2025. However, the investment also supports retraining and upskilling nearly 2,000 jobs.

Mazda

The Mazda Foundation supports AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) a nonprofit organization that helps schools adopt a more equitable student-centered approach and looks to close the education opportunity gap. More than 7,500 schools rely on AVID to help more than 2 million students every year by preparing them for college and professional success.

Honda

Working with the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), a nationally recognized science museum in Columbus, Ohio, Honda has launched the Honda Engineering Roadshow, which aims to distribute 20,000 science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) “Learning Lunchbox” kits to students from K-8th grade. The initiative aims to support STEAM education nationally particularly for at-risk kids in partnership with local food banks to “help feed hungry lives and hungry minds.”

Subaru

The Subaru of Indiana (SIA) Foundation is committed to supporting institutions that improve the quality of life and help meet the needs of the residents of the state of Indiana. In spring of 2022, the SIA Foundation awarded over $170,000 to 30 different nonprofits addressing a number of issues affecting the people of Indiana ranging from homelessness to STEM education to food insecurity.

To view a more comprehensive list of our members’ workforce development initiatives, please visit this link.