PLYMOUTH, Mich., April 16, 2007 – Aisin World Corp. of America (AWA), a worldwide supplier of automotive components, announced 2006 global and North American sales figures, reviewed new or expanded facilities and joint ventures, and provided a review of new technology developed or adopted in 2006 today at its press conference at the 2007 Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress.
“Aisin is in a good place,” said Don Whitsitt, executive vice president of AWA. “It has been a tough year for our industry, and we are pleased with our performance results during this tumultuous time.”
Globally, Aisin recorded a sales performance of $20.6 billion, representing a 9 percent increase over 2005. In North America, Aisin Group showed an increase of 12.5 percent over 2005, with a total sales performance of $3.6 billion.
In addition to sales performance, Aisin also announced production capacity increases through the addition of new facilities or the establishment of joint ventures. In North America two new facilities came on line in 2006. There were also two expansions:
Globally, new facilities, expansions and joint ventures include:
“This added capacity, along with our partnerships, will allow us to keep pace with customer demands without overextending ourselves,” said Whitsitt. “While we are optimistic about the future of the industry, we are tempering that optimism with caution and due diligence.”
New technologies were also featured at the press conference, including:
In addition, a number of Aisin technologies have been developed in conjunction with Toyota and are featured on its flagship vehicle, the all new Lexus LS 460.
Other topics discussed during the press conference were the implementation of Aisin’s North American Environmental Action Plan, community support programs, and a $100,000 donation to the SAE Foundation’s “Inspiring A New Generation” campaign.
“Aisin has always committed itself to the communities in which we locate through support of community organizations, the arts, and the education of our next generation of automotive industry leaders,” said Whitsitt. “On a corporate-wide level, we are also committed to the support of the larger, global community by ensuring that our policies and facilities are in harmony with their surroundings.”
About Aisin World Corp. of America
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Aisin Group Presents State of the Company, New Technology Review at 2007 SAE World Congress
The Aisin group company that focuses on brakes and brake components has introduced the next generation ABS and ESC modulators. The “ADS-A2” ABS modulator has been reconfigured, leading to a 20 percent reduction in size and weight, and the “ADS-VG2” ESC modulator incorporates unique gear pumps to achieve superior quiet. The modulator also supports various extended functions such as radar cruise control and pre-crash safety systems.
This Aisin AW technology delivers Differential Map Data to car navigation systems. A “World’s First” technology, Map on Demand means updated information (not original downloads), provides real-time data for driver destination and is delivered to the car navigation system via cell phone. This technology will be available next month in some Toyota navigation systems.
This is another world’s first for Aisin AW. The 8-speed provides excellent acceleration, low noise levels and superior shift performance.
The advanced Navi-System “memorizes” frequently driven roads and uses information to search for new routes.
Prevents accidents due to inattentive driving; it actually warns the driver through audible alerts when his face direction is turned away from the road for longer than a predetermined period of time.
Automatically senses space and angle requirements to park a vehicle, and then performs the function while the driver controls braking.
This world’s first technology lessens whiplash injury by reducing shock to the neck. It quickly moves the front part of the head restraint forward when the system determines that a crash is unavoidable, thereby shortening the distance between the head and the head restraint.
This rear seat relaxation system provides a comfortable travel space by combining and controlling four adjuster systems for sliding, reclining, a mid-folding system and ottoman and leg rest control, and an ECU for overall adjuster control.
Aisin’s zinc diecast doorframe molding faithfully realizes the designer’s concept and features a seamless monocoque structure. This accent maintains a brilliant appearance befitting a prestige luxury vehicle like the LS by using the highest grade of chrome plating.
A simple switch automatically activates the parking brake. Electrical operation of the brake results in control force, and an expansion in foot space due to the removal of the foot pedal.
Based in Plymouth, Mich., AWA is a subsidiary of the Aisin Group, headed by Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. with corporate offices in Kariya City, Aichi, Japan. The Aisin Group is a worldwide supplier of automotive components, such as brakes, transmissions, drive train, chassis, body and information-related systems and components, and engine-related parts. In North America, the Aisin Group has 28 manufacturing, R & D and sales centers, and approximately 9,000 employees.
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