The growing global focus on sustainability and carbon neutrality has placed increasing importance on the use of recycled automotive parts. In a recent interview with Daily Automotive News for JARA NEWS vol.203, Kenichiro Yajima, President of JARA Corporation, in Japan, highlighted the company’s strategic initiatives to advance the automotive recycling industry and address key challenges.
Strategic Focus for 2024
JARA Corporation significantly increased its investment in the major renovation of the Automotive Total Recycle System (ATRS), an in-house development system aimed at enhancing efficiency in automotive recycling. The next-generation system is expected to be completed within the next few years. Additionally, the company organized scan-tool seminars in collaboration with the JARA Group to provide valuable insights to member companies. As part of its efforts to increase the procurement of high-value vehicles suitable for recycling, JARA also conducted verification tests.
Concerns from Member Companies
Member companies have voiced growing concerns over labor shortages, a trend that is expected to persist. There is a rising demand for system operations that require less manpower. Furthermore, the declining number of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) poses a significant challenge, with concerns that the numbers may decrease further in 2025.
Expanding the Demand for Recycled Parts
With the global push toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and carbon neutrality, recycled automotive parts are gaining attention as a viable solution for reducing environmental impact. JARA Corporation is committed to improving awareness and expanding the market for recycled parts.
To this end, the company has initiated seminars targeted at insurance company representatives, including adjusters, to instill confidence in the use of recycled parts for repairing accident-damaged vehicles. Moreover, a promotional video featuring the recycling process at JARA’s factory has been created and uploaded to the company’s official YouTube channel to further educate stakeholders.
Educational Engagement with Future Generations
In 2024, JARA Corporation hosted company tours for junior high school students visiting Tokyo on school trips. These visits provided students with an opportunity to learn about the automotive recycling process and the industry’s role in sustainability. The company also emphasized the importance of career enjoyment and contributing to the happiness of others.
Industry Trends and Digital Transformation
An observable shift within member companies has been the increased involvement of younger staff taking leadership roles. These individuals are leveraging information technology (IT) to drive digital transformation (DX) in the industry. Many companies have embraced social media platforms, such as Instagram, to promote their businesses and connect with a broader audience. Additionally, member companies are diversifying their operations beyond recycled parts, adapting to changing market conditions.
Securing and Expanding Human Resources
JARA Corporation has taken proactive steps to recruit talent across various positions, including system engineers. A recent revision of job postings on external platforms has resulted in higher response rates, as the company broadened job requirements and encouraged applicants to specify their expected annual income in detail.
Recognizing the importance of keeping job seekers informed, the company frequently updates its website. Ensuring up-to-date information helps alleviate potential anxieties among candidates. Looking ahead, JARA plans to feature employee interviews on its website to provide prospective applicants with insights into the company culture.
To sustain growth, JARA Corporation will continue to actively recruit talent in sales and market development, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the evolving automotive recycling industry.
Source: (Daily Automotive News, December 19, 2024 | JARA NEWS vol.203_EN)
