Japanese automakers - who does what to whom?

Autoblog reader Joseph alerted us to a series of remarkable charts from the Japan Automobile Manufacturer's Association, one of which is shown above. Separate charts for Japan, the U.S., Europe and China show the links between Japanese automakers and other companies - including supply agreements, ownership arrangements, technical cooperation, technology licensing, and sales cooperation.

Did you know that Isuzu's plant in Poland supplies diesel engines to Honda, GM Europe, and Renault? Or that Mitsubishi provides production outsourcing to Pininfarina? Neither did I.

The data are not quite up to date - GM is still shown with an equity stake in Fuji Heavy/Subaru - but the charts are nonetheless a fascinating view of the interconnectedness of the global auto industry, and the power and influence of Japanese automakers. View all of the charts here.
[Thanks, Joseph!]