PRESS CONFERENCE
"Selling Imported Cars in Japan"
Go Goeltinger, Chairman of Japan Automobile Importers Association (JAIA)
11:00-12:00 Monday, May 18, 2026
The speech and Q & A will be in English.
The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan is pleased to welcome Go Goeltinger, chairman of the Japan Automobile Importers Association, to discuss the perennially hot topic of selling imported cars in Japan.
Goeltinger knows the opportunities and the challenges better than most, since he also serves as CEO of Mercedes-Benz Japan. In his role as chairman of the JAIA, he represents the local interests of global automakers like General Motors, Volkswagen, Stellantis and Hyundai-Kia. The members also include electric vehicle makers Tesla and BYD, which are trying to make inroads.
Imported vehicles have accounted for only a fraction of sales in Japan, leading to often-repeated criticisms of non-tariff barriers. Such accusations are again being made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who imposed steep retaliatory levies against Japan and other nations. Japanese automakers are scrambling to ease the trade tensions by shipping some of their U.S.-made vehicles back home for sale.
Speaking in his capacity as JAIA chairman, Goeltinger will address the local market and strategies of foreign makers to grow their share. He will also examine the outlook for foreign-made pure electric vehicles at a time when domestic producers are focused on hybrids. Please join us for a deep look into one of Japan's largest and most critical industries.
How to attend:
Please register by emailing front@fccj.or.jp with your name and the name of your media outlet. FCCJ members should also include their membership number. Doors will open 15 minutes before the event.
How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCCJchannel/live
How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/7sEpX8fbYJGUUUoa6
TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors open for TV crews only at 30 minutes before the event. FCCJ will limit live-streaming of FCCJ-hosted press conferences to Club members only. Non-members will no longer be permitted to live-stream these events. However, non-members may still film for reporting purposes and use footage after the press conference.
Professional Activities Committee