Core Insights - Japanese carmakers are focusing on technology and new product launches to compete against the growing presence of Chinese rivals and to address supply chain issues, particularly in rare-earth magnets and chips, as well as US tariffs [1][3] - The Japan Mobility Show 2025 showcased aggressive expansion plans from major Japanese automakers, including the introduction of new EV technologies and the revival of classic brands [2][3] Industry Challenges - The ongoing US-China trade war is impacting the Japanese and Indian auto industries, with Japanese automakers feeling the pressure from Chinese competitors like BYD, which has rapidly increased its global market share [3][4] - Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota, acknowledged Japan's declining global influence and the challenges posed by Chinese manufacturers, particularly in the Kei car segment, which has traditionally been dominated by Japanese firms [4][5] Company Strategies - Toyota announced the launch of its new luxury brand, Century, aiming to enhance Japan's global automotive presence [5][6] - Suzuki is focusing on catching up in EV technology, having launched its first EV, e-Vitara, and introduced an electric version of its Kei car, Vision e-Sky [7] - Nissan is implementing a refresh strategy called Re:Nissan to address mounting losses, including job cuts and factory closures, while also planning to revitalize its core models [8][9] Market Performance - Japanese carmakers have lost market share in several regions, particularly in China, where they collectively lost between 0.5% to 4% market share from 2019 to 2024, while BYD gained 23% [12] - In contrast, the Indian market remains a stronghold for Japanese automakers, with Maruti Suzuki holding a 40% market share, while BYD's presence is minimal at 0.08% [13] Future Outlook - The Indian auto industry is projected to grow by 5% in 2025-26, supported by a GST rate cut and strong festive demand, with Japanese companies planning to introduce multiple new models, particularly SUVs, in the coming years [14][15] - Honda is set to launch 10 new models in India, while Suzuki plans to introduce eight new SUVs by 2030-31, indicating a strong commitment to the Indian market [15][16]