In recent economic downturns, Japan has been able to lean on its auto industry to offset declines elsewhere.

在近些年经济出现低迷时，日本一直依赖汽车业来抵消其他行业的下滑。

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And, tapping his auto parts experience, he introduced the just-in-time inventory-control system and lean manufacturing, which emphasizes reducing wasteful processes in order to make better products and respond quickly to customers.

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