Japan headlight king Koito tears down Chinese rivals' lamps for bright ideas

Automobiles Japan headlight king Koito tears down Chinese rivals' lamps for bright ideas 'We're going to lose' if unable to cut production costs, engineer says Toyota, Lexus and other Japanese auto brands are Koito's top lamp customers. (Photo by Kohei Yamada) KANTARO FUSHIKI November 9, 2026 04:55 JST TOKYO -- Japanese automotive lamp leader Koito Manufacturing aims to cut around 30% of production cost by fiscal 2030, and it is literally taking its Chinese competition apart to learn what makes them less expensive. Read Next Big in Asia China's automaking rise spurs German industry's turn to arms Automobiles Japan's Koito looks to keep lighting way with smart automotive lamps Business deals Toyota supplier buys Nissan-linked peer amid China competition Electric vehicles Foxconn unveils 3 EVs to grow contract manufacturing business Automobiles Mazda brings part of its supply chain back to Japan with help from robots Automobiles Toyota ready to 'regain market share' in China on expanded local sourcing Automobiles BYD, Geely lean on global growth as China market enters 'harshest winter' Automobiles Ford says it will take on Chinese rivals by 'going into their price point' Electric vehicles VinFast bets on India in bid for growth beyond Vietnam Latest on Automobiles Automobiles Bridgestone revs up output of massive mining tires on AI-driven demand Automobiles Tesla to wind down Cybertruck production in mid-2027, Musk tweets Automobiles Toyota ready to 'regain market share' in China on expanded local sourcing Sponsored Content About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.