As we near the close of our fourth quarter, and I’m happy to report that we are meeting our 2010 business plan. In fact, we have exceeded it and we should enjoy profitability for 2010. Improved sales to Toyota, our top customer, has been key, as well as close communication with and cooperation from the North American Plants.

Recently, Sales No. 1 and Sales No. 2 achieved significant contract awards from both Toyota and General Motors Company for major sunroof business. Not only is this an example of a good, cooperative effort between our sales group and the NAP, but it also demonstrates our ability to increase business with a non-Toyota customer. GM is a major customer, and is very important to us. As a global Tier One automotive supplier, we must be able to provide products not only to Toyota, but also to GM and other OEMs to be successful.

Thank you for joining me in our quest for new business development. As your president, I am proud of the performance of AWA, and I congratulate each of you for your part in our success in business and in community.

In my brief time here, I have learned that AWA has been a dependable, corporate citizen, and a good neighbor. This is a value that is shared by Aisin businesses around the world. I have also learned that so many of you personally donate your own time and resources to important organizations in your neighborhoods. I am so impressed by this, and have tremendous respect for those who give of themselves for the benefit of others. As long as we are able, AWA will continue to do what it can to help others, and will be open to new ways for us to come together as a team after hours and on weekends to help certain organizations. Volunteerism is not only good for the community, but brings us together as a family -- and, in some cases, with our families -- to accomplish great things, and have some fun, too.

On a personal note, my wife and daughter (and pet dog) have recently joined me in the states. My daughter is studying English at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. I am thankful to be together with my family again, and to enjoy the beautiful nature around us.

Finally, I also wish to acknowledge the success of the AWA Torrance team for our beautiful display and showing at AAPEX. This was my first visit to AAPEX and, I must say, after examining our exhibit and Aftermarket components on display, I was the proudest president at the whole trade show. To Kevin Lin and Bob Clark and the entire team, I offer my praise and appreciation, and am so pleased that Aisin Seiki Vice Chairman Yasuhito Yamauchi was able to share the experience, too.

Thank you all for your ongoing support and good work. I look forward to our continuing success, and even better days ahead.

Respectfully,
Mike Saito    

I joined AISIN in 1978 and have been working in the field of drivetrain and transmission since. I am grateful for this opportunity and vow to do my best to ensure ATC-A its best possible future.

Looking toward our 2015 vision, I realize that we have a lot of work to accomplish, but I believe that, working together as a team, we can get there. We are already taking on more design responsibilities locally, and the trend is bound to accelerate. The development of products aimed at the American markets is shifting from Japan to America. It is my strong belief that in order to successfully develop ourselves, we must perform actual design and evaluation activities through OJT. During his visit last September, President Fujimori encouraged ATC-A to take advantage of its geographical position and emphasize developing technical know-how in order to localize our activity. Our new responsibilities not only include design, but also entail complete product lifecycle support and liability. We need to be ready for it.

Our people are truly the key to our success. This is why, as you know, the first pillar of our company policy is the development of local expertise through training and knowledge transfer. I will work hard to ensure that we meet our goal to release drawings as well as take on the total lifecycle responsibility for the American markets products by 2015. But I cannot do this alone. It has to be a team effort.

One point I would like to emphasize is the need for ATC-A to continuously increase and improve the visualization and communication of what our targets are, what we have to do, what capabilities we have and what are the gaps so that we can address them.

Current economic conditions are very dynamic. These are very exciting times for ATC-A as the challenges ahead represent great opportunities. Together, we can build a better future by staying focused on our vision. Last September, GM awarded us the sunroof business for K2XX. I sincerely appreciate the cooperation of AMI, AWA and all associated staff for this achievement. This GM business is a very important program in North America and thus for ATC-A. It demonstrates further the need for ATC-A to accelerate the localization of engineering and evaluation capabilities. It also provides an excellent opportunity for ATC-A to develop its independent capability to carry through design and development.

Finally, I want to clarify that our 2015 vision has not changed. In January, we will publish our 2011 Policy and activity plan. Please review them carefully, discuss them with your manager and keep them in mind so we can all walk in the same direction and work toward the same goals.

Thank you for your continuous efforts and commitment.

I wish all of you and your families Happy Holidays and a Successful New Year!

Takashi Aoyama