Thank you.

Reprinted from Aisin Seiki's "Hello" World, Summer Edition, 2012.

I am pleased to provide this introduction to Aisin activities here in North America. There is much to be celebrated for Aisin companies and team members, and I feel privileged to preside over the company's interests as President of Aisin Holdings of America and Aisin World Corp. of America.

The United States is currently in the midst of an improving economy and a strengthening auto industry. As a result, we are seeing higher production levels at many of our facilities to keep up with increasing customer demands.

Overall, most are cautiously optimistic here, and believe the industry resurgence is a function of pent-up demand, and all the positive things that go along with a recovering economy that’s beginning to "feel better." There is no question that it helps everybody when the auto industry does well, and other industries are already seeing the positive ripple effect.

In addition to improving economic conditions, we also celebrate the anniversaries of several Aisin plants in the USA and Canada. Among them, Aisin USA Manufacturing (AUM), the first Aisin plant in North America, which began production 25 years ago in Seymour, Indiana.

AUM produces a broad range of automotive components such as door frames, latching systems, seat adjusters, and trim molding, among others. AUM employs approximately 1,400 people who work in a variety of positions.

AUM has been an important Tier One supplier to the North American auto industry and is a meaningful part of our US heritage. In 1987, when AUM started production, few of us knew that it would one day become a leader in Aisin's network of more than 30 manufacturing plants, sales centers, technical centers, and R & D facilities in the USA and Canada.

AUM's success paved the way to other Aisin development, including Aisin Mexicana S.A. (AMX) which celebrates its 15th year in business this year. AMX employs more than 500 team members, and mainly produces automotive body components, door locks and door checks.

Celebrating 10 year anniversaries this year: Aisin Canada (ACI) and Aisin Manufacturing Illinois (AMI). Our first Canadian operation, ACI mainly produces automotive door frames and some interior parts; it employs nearly 300 team members. Meanwhile, AMI mainly produces automotive sunroofs, power side doors, and door latches.

So, congratulations to all the Aisin team members and facilities that are celebrating anniversaries this year. I thank you for your loyalty and support, and wish you continued success.

I am proud of each and every Aisin facility in North America. Great companies are made up of great people, and Aisin companies are a shining example of that. It is no surprise that Aisin World Corp. of America was recently ranked 13th in the Automotive News listing of the top 100 automotive suppliers in North America.

And our local management team is getting stronger with recent changes, including the appointment of John D. Koenig as President of AWA Sales and Marketing. Koenig-san has been with Aisin in a variety of executive positions since 2002, and was most recently executive vice president responsible for Aftermarket Sales, Life & Energy products, and External Affairs. A former Toyota Motor Sales USA executive, his experience also includes two years as executive vice president at Mitsubishi Motors.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the spirited actions of many Aisin team members across North America, who, like our friends in Japan and Thailand, have banded together to help those in need. During the past year, thousands of people here in the USA have been adversely affected by natural disasters. Many people have died, or been injured, or displaced from their homes as a result of storms, tornadoes and flooding.

Despite the severity of the situation, however, I am always inspired by the determination and selfless acts of Aisin team members who come together to help others in the community when they need it most. To those in the Aisin family who have served others: you honor the Aisin name, and I thank you.

Sincerely,
Masayasu "Mike" Saito