Aisin Group Presents State of the Company, New Technology Review at 2007 SAE 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:

• Aisin Canada, Inc. – facility expansion for the production of doorframes, located in Stratford, Ontario.
• Aisin Manufacturing California, LLC – a second, new plant in Stockton, Calif. for the production of doorframes and other body components.
• Aisin Chemical Indiana, LLC – a manufacturer of wet friction materials for automatic transmissions.
• ADVICS Manufacturing Ohio, Inc., an expansion of a plant that manufactures disc brakes and ABS components. The plant will also begin production of Electronic Stability Control units.

Globally, new facilities, expansions and joint ventures include:

• Aisin Hokkaido Co., Ltd. – aluminum die casting products.
• Aisin Seiki Kinuura plant – a new plant that manufactures door handles, sunroofs, spoilers and other body components.
• Aisin Seiki Production Engineering Center – located at the company’s world headquarters, the center will significantly strengthen Aisin’s “monozukuri-power” (manufacturing expertise in value-added products) and will function as a nucleus for the global deployment of production technologies to ensure the manufacture of products with the same high quality at all manufacturing bases worldwide.
• CVTEC Company, Ltd. – a joint venture between Aisin AW and Toyota Motor Corporation, which produces continually variable transmission belts.
• Aisin Seiki Foshon Body Parts – a division of Aisin Seiki located in Foshan, China for the production of electric power seats and sunroofs.
• Aisin Comcruse Co., Ltd. – an internal company for the development of software for imbedded systems.
• Aisin AI – a new transmission plant in Kira, Japan.
• FT TECHNO Europe – a new facility which provides vehicle and components evaluation service for Aisin companies and customers.

“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:

• Aisin AW’s RWD 6-Speed Automatic Transmission For the all new Tundra Jointly developed with Toyota for RWD full sized pickup trucks, this transmission achieves improved power efficiency by 18 percent, while keeping fuel efficiency at the same level of previous models by optimization of gear ratios. This transmission is designed to sustain 10,600 lbs. of towing capacity, a 47 percent improvement.
• Aisin’s FWD 6-speed manual transmission – New structure, light weight compact 6-speed transmission with shortened length and low shift effort equipped on the Toyota Corolla and RAV 4, and on the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, and Chrysler Sebring
• Aisin’s RWD 6-speed automatic transmission for Class 3, 4 and 5 medium duty trucks – This high performance transmission improves engine brake performance, provides increased fuel efficiency and dynamic performance. In the U.S., the product is currently found on the Dodge Ram 3500, 4500, 5500.
• Aisin’s GM sunroof business – Aisin was named GM Supplier of the Year for its overall business performance in providing GM with world-class parts and services.
• Advics ABS and ESC Modulators
  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.
• Aisin AW’s Map on Demand
  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.

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.

• Aisin AW’s RWD 8-speed Automatic Transmission
  This is another world’s first for Aisin AW. The 8-speed provides excellent acceleration, low noise levels and superior shift performance.
• Aisin AW’s HDD Car Navigation
  The advanced Navi-System “memorizes” frequently driven roads and uses information to search for new routes.
• Driver Monitoring System
  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.
• Intelligent Parking Assist System
  Automatically senses space and angle requirements to park a vehicle, and then performs the function while the driver controls braking.
• Pre-Crash Intelligent Head Restraint
  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.
• Rear Seat Relaxation System
  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.
• Jointless Diecast Doorframe Molding
  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.
• Electric Parking Brake System
  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.

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
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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