The automotive and mobility sector is undergoing a period of rapid transformation. Trends such as CASE (connected, autonomous, shared and electric) and the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are reshaping how vehicles are designed, engineered, manufactured, and used. Competition from global automakers and new market entrants, particularly in the United States, Europe, and China, continues to intensify.

Vehicle architectures and component configurations are becoming more complex, while development cycles are becoming shorter. Japan’s automotive industry has long been recognized globally for its commitment to quality and manufacturing excellence, yet many organizations now face challenges that can slow innovation. Siloed data, workflows that rely heavily on individual expertise, and legacy processes make it difficult to compete with global leaders.

A common challenge across the industry is translating technological strength into efficient, scalable development processes. Closing this gap is essential for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market.

Together with our group company RSM Shiodome Smart Process, RSM Shiodome Partners provides comprehensive support to OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and mobility-related businesses. Our team includes professionals with hands-on experience in automotive research and development. We help organizations strengthen development processes, adopt AI-enabled tools, optimize PLM environments, and address tax, HR, M&A, and global expansion needs through integrated, end-to-end support.

Key Challenges Facing the Automotive and Mobility Industry

Electrification and the shift toward SDVs are making vehicle specifications and component structures more complex. Competition is intensifying as manufacturers in Europe, the United States, and China accelerate development through standardized and highly integrated engineering processes.

Design, production, and procurement teams often operate with disconnected BOM data (E-BOM and M-BOM). Development processes may rely heavily on the experience and intuition of seasoned engineers, contributing to rework and inefficiencies.

Even when organizations plan to introduce generative AI or PLM, many initiatives stall at the proof-of-concept (PoC) stage and fail to become fully integrated into day-to-day operations.

In addition to securing engineering talent and preserving and transferring critical technical knowledge, suppliers face challenges such as business transformation and restructuring, managing overseas sites, and meeting tax and labor compliance requirements.

Our Services

We help organizations capture and share critical engineering knowledge and design, implement, and embed new development processes using AI and PLM.

  • Consulting (Concept, Strategy, Design): Digital transformation and AI strategy development; standardization and redesign of development processes; E-BOM and M-BOM design; BOM and RFLP implementation support
  • Engineering (System Development and Implementation): AI and data utilization system development; PoC and prototype development; custom system development; implementation support
  • Project Management (On-site Execution and Adoption Support): Support from specialized engineers; development organization design and optimization; technical advisory; PM and PMO support
  • Business Workshops: New business ideation; organizational alignment; articulating and demonstrating departmental value (including AI-supported workshop design); AI-driven workflow optimization; PLM enhancement and integration
  • Preparation of tax returns and related documentation
  • Corporate tax compliance
  • International and cross-border taxation
  • Human capital advisory
  • Workforce management and labor compliance

We provide comprehensive BPO services that streamline and manage back-office operations, allowing clients to focus on core business activities. Our team includes certified specialists in accounting, tax, HR, labor, and legal services who deliver cost-effective, high-quality solutions for essential business needs.

Services include:

  • Bookkeeping
  • Cash management
  • Invoice processing
  • Payroll services
  • Social insurance and labor insurance administration
  • Entity formation and licensing
  • Corporate legal services

Financial health is a critical indicator of business performance and can directly influence an organization’s ability to grow and adapt. Our accounting and financial consulting team provides practical, tailored solutions based on each client’s needs.

Services include:

  • IPO support
  • Cost accounting consulting
  • J-SOX internal control assessments
  • Internal audit
  • Preparation of disclosure documents
  • IFRS advisory
  • Due diligence and valuation

Services include:

  • M&A support for supplier restructuring and business succession
  • International expansion support for production and sales operations in ASEAN and other regions
  • Japan market entry support for international mobility and EV-related companies
  • Fundraising support for mobility startups and other businesses
  • Life insurance agency services
  • Real estate services

Why Clients Choose RSM

Our consultants have hands-on experience working for automotive manufacturers, including in engine planning, electric vehicle system design, 3D design, and project management for digital transformation initiatives in product development. This allows us to quickly understand client challenges.

We deliver end-to-end support for data-driven development powered by AI and PLM, guiding you from initial concept and system implementation to full operational adoption.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together specialists in accounting, tax, HR, labor, and financial advisory to address a broad range of business challenges, from cost management to organizational and workforce transformation.

We work with leading mobility and manufacturing companies and universities. We also collaborate with advisors who specialize in industrial engineering and generative AI.

With a presence in more than 120 countries, RSM provides seamless cross-border support for organizations expanding internationally.

Contact us

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