First JDM Car and the Rise of Japanese Automotive Manufacturing
Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars have a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the early 1900s. The first automobile to be made in Japan was created in 1902 by Komanosuke Uchiyama, who used a gasoline engine he had brought back from the United States. In 1907, Uchiyama produced the first entirely Japanese-made car, marking the beginning of a journey that would eventually make Japan a leader in the automotive industry.
Early Days of Japanese Automotive Manufacturing
Komanosuke Uchiyama built the first automobile in Japan in 1902 using a gasoline engine he had imported from the United States. This was a significant milestone in Japanese automotive history. Concurrently, Torao Yamaha built the first Japanese-made bus in 1904, highlighting the growing interest in automotive manufacturing in the country.
Mitsubishi Zosen also entered the automotive market, beginning production of its first car, the Model A, in 1914. This marked the beginning of a series of developments that would see Japanese car manufacturers gradually establish their presence in the global market.
Emergence of Domestic Car Manufacturers
By 1930, American automakers had started producing cars in Japan for the Japanese market, producing nearly 20,000 units per year. In contrast, domestic Japanese manufacturers produced fewer than 500 units. This indicates the dominance of American companies in the early years of automobile production in Japan. However, by 1935, Japan had fully embraced industrialization, with 16 automobile manufacturers operating within the country.
The Automobile Manufacturing Industries Act passed by the Japanese government in 1936 aimed to break the American car monopoly. This act led to the formation of companies like Toyota and Datsun, which went on to become major players in the automotive industry.
World-Class Automotive Manufacturing
By 1985, Japanese automakers had established themselves as world-class operations. Their manufacturing systems, management systems, and automotive materials innovation stood at levels unmatched by other countries until the mid-1990s. Product improvements, technical innovations, and the focus on car recyclability were top priorities for Japanese manufacturers. In fact, 75 percent of the weight of a Japanese car could be recycled by 1985.
Safety was also a critical focus for Japanese manufacturers. In response to protectionist sentiments, these companies began manufacturing cars in local markets such as the United States, expanding their global footprint.
By the mid-1990s, Japanese automakers had entered the luxury car market. High-end brands such as Acura and Lexus were produced to compete with European automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. These brands have continued to thrive, maintaining a strong presence in the luxury car segment.
Nissan Skyline R34: A Personal Favorite
When it comes to JDM cars, my favorite is undoubtedly the Nissan Skyline R34, inspired by the Fast and Furious movie. The Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R, released in 1999, marked the end of the decade with a new body and advanced technological features. This model remains a symbol of Japanese automotive engineering and performance.
In conclusion, the journey of JDM cars from their early beginnings to becoming global leaders in automotive manufacturing is a testament to the resilience and innovation of the Japanese automotive industry. Each step of this journey, from the first car produced in Japan to the emergence of world-renowned brands, paints a vivid picture of how far and how fast Japanese automakers have come.