Research Organization for Next Generation VehiclesWaseda University

Research keywords

automobile, automobile industry, automobile parts industry, carbon neutrality, electrification, autonomous driving

1.Electrification and automobile and parts industries

Electrification (BEV, FCEV, PHEV, HEV) is at the core of carbon neutrality and may also bring about structural changes in the automobile and parts R & D and production. By examining the challenges the automobile and parts industries are currently facing in the process of electrification, we discuss the prospects of the automobile industry in the era of electrification.

2.Autonomous driving and automobile and parts industries

By achieving efficient driving processes, autonomous driving technologies could become the central building blocks of carbon neutrality. By examining the challenges the automobile and parts industries currently face concerning the development of autonomous driving technologies, we discuss the prospects of the automobile industry in the age of autonomous driving.

3.Current conditions, issues, and prospects of automobile and parts industries in emerging markets (China and Southeast Asia)

New technologies such as electrification and autonomous driving could be game changers in the positionings and hierarchies of automobile and parts firms. We examine the current conditions, issues, and prospects of automobile and parts industries in emerging markets (China and Southeast Asia). China and Southeast Asia are Japanese automobile manufacturers’ major production, export, and sales markets. With the rise of BEV, however, European and American automobile manufacturers and manufacturers from China and Southeast Asia are expanding their investments in the region. Hence, a close examination of the emerging markets is essential if we are to propose new and effective strategies for developing Japanese automobile and parts industries in the era of carbon neutrality.

4.Current conditions, issues, and prospects of automobile and parts industries in mature markets (EU and North America)

The effects of new technologies such as electrification and autonomous driving on the automobile industrial structure are also significant in the mature markets, including the EU and North America. The challenges, however, may differ significantly from those existing in the emerging markets (for example, effective corporate management strategies for balancing the legacy gasoline internal combustion engine and emerging electric powertrains during technological transitions). Considering these considerations, we examine the current conditions, issues, and prospects of automobile and parts industries in the mature markets (EU and North America).

5.What is a sustainable automobile culture in the era of carbon neutrality?

By putting to work the perspectives of cultural and historical sociology, we examine the potential roles automobile culture can play in the era of carbon neutrality. We briefly trace the development of automobile culture from the late 19th century to the present. Then, we zero in on five types of automobile culture in the era of sustainability and carbon neutrality: 1. auto racing, 2. tourism facilities focused on automobiles, 3. “Japanese classic car” boom, 4. VR games, and 5. films.

Director

Seio NAKAJIMA (Professor, Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University)

Advisor

• KOBAYASHI, Hideo

Researchers

• MITOMO, Hitoshi Professor, Faculty of International Research and Education, Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies
• NABESHIMA, Kaoru Professor, Faculty of International Research and Education, Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies
• NAKAJIMA, Seio Professor, Faculty of International Research and Education, Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies
• YOKOTA, Kazuhiko Professor, Faculty of Commerce, School of Commerce

Adjunct Researcher

• ASAHINA, Yuki
• IWASAKI, Fusanori
• KIMURA, Yoshio
• MICHIDA, Etsuyo
• OBASHI, Ayako
• OTSUKI, Tsunehiro
• SCHROEDER, Martin
• UEKI, Yasushi

Research Institute of Automobile and Parts Industries

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