# Japanese Automakers Unite on Car Quality Standards

> Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi collaborate on quality standards to cut waste and boost efficiency.
- Title: Japanese Automakers Unite on Car Quality Standards · Motor1
- Summary: Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi collaborate on quality standards to cut waste and boost efficiency. Japanese automakers jointly established…
- Keywords: toyota, honda, mazda, suzuki, mitsubishi, jama, japi, smart standard activity, quality standards, automotive supply chain, japanese automakers, cost savings
- Source: Motor1 — https://motor1.com/news/810554/japanese-automakers-collaborate-car-quality
- Author: Adrian Padeanu
- Published: 2026-10-02T09:26:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: toyota, honda, mazda, suzuki, mitsubishi, jama, japi, smart standard activity, quality standards, automotive supply chain, japanese automakers, cost savings
## Japanese Automakers Meet
Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi gathered at Toyota's Tahara factory in late July to discuss quality standards.
## Quality Standards Meeting
Over 100 automotive industry professionals attended the meeting to improve production efficiency without compromising quality.
## Smart Standard Activity
Toyota's Smart Standard Activity, or SSA, an initiative since 2017, focuses on reducing waste from cosmetic imperfections.
## Real-World Example
A rear-seat air-conditioning vent with tiny scuff marks was deemed acceptable by Toyota rather than sent to scrap.
## Industry-Wide Collaboration
Toyota began working with other automakers four years ago, leading to a joint SSA working group in April 2025.
## SSA Promotion Declaration
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association and Japan Auto Parts Industries Association issued an SSA Promotion Declaration this year.
## Cooperation Without Competition
The joint working group avoids sensitive topics like pricing and production volumes to focus on non-competitive areas.
## Cost Savings Impact
Toyota's SSA program had 7,500 cases by end of 2025 with 67 percent of proposals adopted for cost savings.
## Chinese Competition Challenge
Japanese automakers aim to boost supply chain competitiveness against rising Chinese carmakers globally.
## Industry-Wide Benefits
The initiative helps avoid supplier reinvention for each brand while maintaining individual company processes.
## Global Expansion
Toyota's SSA activities are expanding beyond Japan to North America, Europe, and Asia for wider industry impact.
## Key takeaway

Japanese automakers jointly established quality standards to reduce waste and improve supply chain efficiency amid rising Chinese competition.