3.1.2 The Japanese vehicle manufacturing industry: NAC is one of the major companies manufacturing vehicles in Japan, a nation committed to engineering perfection. The Ministry of International Trade and Industry has declared success in this industry sector a national goal and encourages the development of export markets. The domestic market for vehicles has been soft. The global industry is highly competitive, with manufacturers from numerous countries competing intensely for sales to purchasers. Some of NAC’s domestic competitors have established both assembly and manufacturing plants in foreign markets; notably in the United States. Three of its domestic competitors are among the leaders in the global vehicle manufacturing industry segment.