American-Made Cars Have the Chance to Enter Japan Without Additional Tests

JAKARTA - US President Donald Trump had announced Japan's move which paved the way for US-made vehicles to enter the Sakura country's market more easily. Japan is said to be ready to accept US safety certification without the need for re-testing.

The White House also confirmed that Japan will now recognize US automotive standards and lift long-standing restrictions on imports of US cars and trucks. This creates a multibillion-dollar increase in market access for US car manufacturers.

The signal was then strengthened by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism which announced the establishment of a special certification system for American-made vehicles.

This scheme is designed to meet the provisions of the Japan-US agreement, with the provision that passenger vehicles produced in the US and in accordance with US standards will be considered to meet safety standards.

Reported by Carscoops, Tuesday, February 17, although it was not detailed, the policy confirmed that passenger cars produced in the US and certified for safety in the US would be accepted for sale in Japan without additional testing.

In theory, this policy is good news for automotive manufacturers and workers. At the same time, it provides benefits for Japan through tariff relief that is part of the bilateral agreement.

In response to this development, Toyota has previously stated plans to bring three American production models to Japan, namely the Camry, Highlander, and Tundra. The full-sized pickup truck is even referred to as the true embodiment of American culture, although Toyota is optimistic that Japanese consumers will be interested in its unique appeal.

Toyota is not the only Japanese manufacturer eyeing the opportunity. Citing a Nikkei report, Honda is also considering importing the Pilot and Ridgeline models, while Nissan is said to have the opportunity to send Murano and Pathfinder to the Japanese market.