The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association on Thursday picked Honda Motor Co. Chairman Fumihiko Ike to replace Toyota Motor Corp. chief Akio Toyoda as the chief of the industry lobby.
"As a leading industry and a representative for manufacturers (in Japan), automobile industry will contribute to revitalization of Japanese economy," Ike said at his inaugural news conference at a Tokyo hotel following a JAMA board meeting.
Ike, who will take on the title of JAMA chairman, said that this year holds the key to sustainable growth for Japan, which returned to the path to recovery last year.