Funai General Research Supply Chain Consulting Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Naoyuki Hashimoto; hereinafter "Funai SC") will hold the July monthly meeting of the "Logistics Providers Management Study Group," a forum for transportation companies, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, featuring the newly established "Truck Maintenance Committee." At this inaugural meeting, Mr. Kazuya Yama-gishi, President and CEO of Yama-gishi Group, will join as a special guest speaker to deliver a lecture on improving profitability through building an in-house vehicle maintenance system. ■ Background and Purpose of the "Truck Maintenance Committee" The transportation industry currently faces not only a shortage of truck drivers but also an even more acute shortage of maintenance technicians, as indicated by extremely high effective job-to-applicant ratios. Relying entirely on dealerships or external repair shops, as has been conventional, leads to soaring repair costs and prolonged repair times, resulting in lower equipment utilization rates—major challenges threatening the sustainability of many transportation companies' operations. In response to this situation, we are launching a specialized committee focused specifically on "truck maintenance" in July 2026. This study group aims to shift the perception of truck maintenance from being merely a cost center to a critical management foundation that supports safety, profitability, and talent development, thereby supporting transportation companies in achieving "Sustainable Growth Management"—ongoing, sustainable business growth. ■ Key Themes (Activities) The study group will focus on the following four core themes, systematizing practical know-how: Vehicle strategy for improved performance: Maximizing vehicle utilization through cost optimization, enhanced safety, and reduced repair expenses Establishing in-house maintenance capabilities: Developing customized roadmaps for building in-house maintenance functions bas