For the first time in Shiga Prefecture, スターライト工業 adopted the disaster-return car leasing program, which rapidly provides vehicles to disaster-hit areas during emergencies. The handover ceremony was held at the Ritto Plant on 9 October 2026.
スターライト工業 adopted the disaster-support program operated by the Japan Carsharing Association, a general incorporated association, called the disaster-return car leasing program. Vehicles can be used freely during normal times, but must be returned to disaster-hit areas within 10 days at the association's request when a disaster occurs, helping to alleviate vehicle shortages in affected areas.
This was the first implementation in Shiga Prefecture, and the company said it would contribute to improving local disaster preparedness and building a more disaster-resilient society. The initiative follows previous joint efforts with the Japan Carsharing Association, including disaster-preparedness awareness activities.
The handover ceremony was held at スターライト工業's Ritto Plant, where the vehicles were handed over in the presence of Ishiwata Kenta (石渡賢大) of the association. The company outlined a policy of continuing to strengthen disaster preparedness in cooperation with government and local communities.
The initiative is positioned as an effort to address vehicle shortages during disasters and strengthen local disaster preparedness. Disaster-preparedness education and awareness activities for the next generation are also scheduled to continue through collaboration with local governments and companies.