Nov. 02, 2020

SPARX Group, Toyota Motor Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, MUFG Bank, and Mizuho Bank Form Partnership to Establish a New FundInvesting in Japanese monozukuri (manufacturing)

SPARX Group Co., Ltd.
Toyota Motor Corporation
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
MUFG Bank, Ltd.
Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

TOKYO―November 2, 2020―SPARX Group Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, MUFG Bank, Ltd., and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. announced today that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a new fund.

The fund will aim to invest in companies that are related to Japanese monozukuri (manufacturing). The partnership's primary purpose is to contribute to the development of Japanese monozukuri by helping the companies with superior technology and human resources implement the Toyota Production System (TPS) and formulate management strategies, through the sustainable growth of these companies.

This objective is in line with the SDGs that the international community is addressing (including "decent work and economic growth" and "industry, innovation, and infrastructure"). Thus, the partnership will contribute to society by improving competitiveness in Japanese monozukuri in the face of the prolonged impact of COVID-19.

Furthermore, the five-firm partnership will consider the details of the size of the investment, other investors, and investment targets, with the goal of establishing the fund in early December.

Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.