Three major domestic automakers and a leading shipping company will jointly develop a system to more efficiently transport cars by using electronic tags, it has been learned. Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and NYK Line aim to cut costs by reducing inventory and streamlining logistical facilities with the introduction of electronic tags. Honda Motor Co., Hyundai Kia Automotive Group and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. also have shown strong interest in the project.
The electronic tag system is expected to develop into a global standard, analysts said. Currently, automakers keep new vehicles at ports closest to their production plants and ship them upon receiving orders. Information on the products, including destinations, is written on paper slips, and inventory is manually confirmed car by car.
Electronic tags are expected to enable them to grasp such important information as the model and specification of a car by radio around the clock. It also will become easy for automakers to verify inventory and change delivery destinations with personal computers, allowing them to reduce their workforces and storage space.