🚗 "Toyota cars had Toyota ashtrays, Nissan had Nissan ashtrays"—Japanese automakers once insisted on proprietary designs even for trivial components like ashtrays. But now, as electrification and global competition intensify, the entire industry is accelerating toward parts standardization. How is Japan's manufacturing approach, long built on meticulous "suriawase" (mutual adjustment), evolving?
"Only Ashtrays Were Standardized"—An Ironic Past
Japan's automotive industry long operated within a vertically integrated "keiretsu" structure, where automakers and suppliers collaborated closely on every detail. This "suriawase" approach produced high-quality vehicles but also meant that parts with identical functions had different specifications at each company.
Industry insiders joked that "the only thing automakers ever agreed to standardize was the ashtray." Steel thickness, tolerance levels, plastic compounds, semiconductor specifications—parts that could easily be shared were instead subject to company-specific rules. Suppliers had to accommodate different requirements for each client, adding costs and complexity that eroded the industry's overall competitiveness.
The European Threat and Signs of Change
The winds began to shift in the mid-2010s. German giants like Volkswagen, Daimler, and parts supplier Bosch united to standardize components and technologies, dramatically cutting development and production costs while maximizing economies of scale.
Sensing the threat, Japan's automakers responded in 2014. Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and 11 other companies—including truck makers like Hino and motorcycle manufacturers Yamaha and Kawasaki—formed the "International Standards Study Group" to explore unified specifications for steel, plastic, and semiconductors.
Electrification Accelerates Standardization
In the 2020s, the electric vehicle (EV) era has supercharged these efforts. EVs have fewer parts than combustion vehicles, making differentiation harder. Core components like batteries, motors, and inverters are prime candidates for economies of scale.
Under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's guidance, cross-company standardization discussions have intensified. Starting with rubber and plastic materials, the scope is expected to expand to more component categories in the coming years.
The Honda-Nissan strategic partnership stands out. The two companies are exploring shared e-Axle (electric drive system) development, with Hitachi Astemo slated for mass production. They're also working on common vehicle control software, targeting deployment in new models by the late 2020s.
Die and Design Data Standardization Underway
Beyond physical specifications, design processes are also being standardized. In 2024, fourteen companies—including automakers and die manufacturers—launched the "Automotive Die Manufacturing Efficiency Promotion Council" to standardize 3D design drawing specifications.
Previously, machining attribute color codes, tolerances, and die component names varied by company. Die and parts manufacturers spent excessive time deciphering each client's rules, leaving insufficient time for quality and delivery management.
Standardization promises not only improved design efficiency but also faster training for die designers—a critical benefit as the industry faces severe labor shortages.
Light and Shadow of Standardization
Parts standardization raises legitimate concerns. The most prominent is expanded recall risk. When multiple brands and models share identical parts, defects affect far more vehicles.
For suppliers, standardization means fiercer competition. Without the "suriawase" barrier to entry, price competition intensifies, potentially accelerating industry consolidation.
However, standardization also improves supply chain resilience during emergencies. Having experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake and pandemic-era semiconductor shortages, the industry urgently needs flexible alternative procurement capabilities.
A New Form of Japanese "Cooperation and Competition"
This standardization wave doesn't negate Japan's automotive strengths. Rather, it represents a "select and focus" approach—clearly separating competitive and collaborative domains.
Automakers continue pursuing unique advantages in engine performance, interior quality, and driving experience while partnering industry-wide to reduce costs for materials and commodity parts. Amid the massive transformation of electrification, this standardization movement offers one answer to maintaining Japanese competitiveness.
The era of "only ashtrays being standardized" has ended. Japanese automakers are now steering toward genuine cooperation. How does your country handle technology sharing and standardization among competitors in the auto industry? We'd love to hear your perspective!
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Reactions in Japan
The 'only ashtrays were standardized' story isn't funny at all. My company has different drawing rules for each client, and we work overtime just to verify them. Please push standardization forward.
Toyota, Honda, and Nissan joining forces—unthinkable in the old days. Times have really changed.
Parts standardization is efficient, but I'm worried about the expanded impact during recalls. Reminds me of the Takata airbag crisis.
We're 10 years behind Germany. Looking at the VW-Bosch collaboration, Japan's keiretsu structure might be outdated.
As a parts supplier, I have mixed feelings. Standardization improves efficiency but price competition will squeeze our margins.
Suriawase culture was Japan's strength—should we really abandon it? Won't we just lose to China anyway when everything goes EV?
I'm in the die industry, and 3D drawing standardization is truly welcome. It used to take years just to learn each company's differences.
During the chip shortage, we couldn't find alternatives and had to stop production lines. I support standardization—it means more sourcing options.
It's sad to see Japanese brands lose their individuality. I feel like 'Toyota-ness' and 'Honda-ness' are fading away.
METI finally seems serious. It's late, but better than nothing. Hope we see results by 2030.
Small suppliers will probably be weeded out. What are small factories like ours supposed to do?
If Honda and Nissan succeed in standardizing e-Axles, it'll be a turning point for the industry. I'm watching closely.
Fix the certification fraud issues before standardization. I haven't forgotten the Daihatsu scandal.
With labor shortages, I welcome anything that shortens designer training. We need young workers to become productive faster.
Standardization is the only way to beat BYD and Tesla. Japanese makers can't compete if they're fragmented.
As someone in the German auto industry, it feels like Japan is finally catching up. The VW Group has been standardizing with the MQB platform for years. This is a welcome move.
From China's perspective, Japanese automakers are moving too slowly. BYD has already achieved efficiency through vertical integration from batteries to software. Can standardization alone help them catch up?
As a US supplier, I welcome Japan's standardization—it'll make doing business easier. Having separate specs for Toyota vs. Nissan was just too inefficient.
Japan's 'suriawase' culture produced excellent quality. I worry standardization might erode that strength. We've seen quality decline in France after similar moves.
For Indian parts makers, Japan's standardization is a big opportunity. Common standards will lower barriers to entering the Japanese market.
Hyundai-Kia in Korea has already pushed platform standardization. Japan is moving in the right direction but seems to lack urgency.
In Australia, Japanese cars are highly valued for reliability. I hope standardization doesn't compromise quality. More aftermarket parts compatibility would be a plus for consumers though.
Working at an auto plant in Mexico, we've struggled with varying specs from Japanese makers. Standardization will definitely improve production efficiency.
As Tesla proved, EVs have fewer parts and are easier to standardize. It seems Japanese makers are finally facing that reality.
As a supply chain expert, standardization increases flexibility during supply crises. This shows lessons learned from the pandemic.
As a UK auto journalist, this is interesting news. Structural reform in Japan's auto industry will have major global market implications.
In Brazil, Japanese car repair parts are often expensive and hard to find. I hope standardization improves parts availability.
As a Middle East dealer, better parts compatibility between Japanese brands would simplify inventory management. Currently, managing each brand separately is inefficient.
For Vietnam's manufacturing sector, Japan's standardization creates opportunities in parts production. Clear quality standards make it easier to compete.
For Polish auto parts factories, Japan's standardization is a new business opportunity. Harmonization with European standards would ease market entry.