Aisin World Times Newsletter

Toyota Fly-In

Following is a brief summary of the 2010 Toyota Washington Briefing:

Tuesday, April 13 – Briefings

Opening and Welcome Remarks

Format of visits to Capitol Hill has changed. Formerly, the approach had been to showcase Toyota U.S. operations and provide Capitol Hill with Toyota’s perspective on important legislative issues. This year, the focus was on general information regarding Toyota progress in addressing issues with emphasis on company being strong contributing member of society.
For meetings with legislators, direction was to be strong, confident and upbeat. The message was to be delivered with a focus on looking forward not looking in the rear-view mirror.
Toyota has long history of safety, integrity and as a valued employer.

Remarks by the Governor of Kentucky

Extremely supportive of Toyota; he was the principal driver behind a letter to ranking congressman in February that served to balance somewhat the discussion on Capitol Hill at the height of Toyota’s issues. The letter was from four Governors having Toyota operations in their states and was a testimony to the exemplary citizenship of Toyota as one of the most admired companies in the U.S.
His recommendation for meetings on Capitol Hill was to be positive, forward looking, report that Toyota is addressing the problems, remind audience that Toyota builds quality vehicles; emphasize the products are American-built and to consider economic impact.

Crisis Recovery Update

Today: Better but long way to go.
Sales for March up over 40% and back in number one position – conquest sales over 40%. The message is consumers are not afraid to buy Toyota products which would not be the case if they thought the products are unsafe.

Washington Environment Report

Three Congressional hearings with themes, including: sudden acceleration, electronics, timeline issues, U.S.–Japan decision making and effectiveness of repairs.
Potential Changes to Current Law include:
- Brake Override
- Electronic Data Recorders
- Standard push button start
- U.S. based company responsibility
- EMI Testing
- Increased fines
- Increased reporting requirements
- Criminal penalties
- Expand lobby ban
- Whistle blower

Production Team Member Involvement

Team members are very proud and expressed disappointment with media and congressional treatment.
Team members provided excellent support and added rich dimension.

Fact about Toyota ETCS

Basically, TTCS is “generic” to all OEMs. In Toyota’s case ETCS is programmed to go to idle in “fault” mode. If it does not go to idle, Toyota recommends to turn-off engine.
System has many redundancies and explanation leaves you with opinion that system is robust and safe.
Retained Exponent, a well-respected engineering and scientific consulting firm, to conduct a comprehensive, independent analysis of electronic throttle control system.

Akio Toyoda’s 6-Point Plan

Improve Quality Inspection Process – Toyota will once again inspect every process, while verifying the causes that led to the recalls, including quality in design, production, sales and service.
Enhance Customer Research – Toyota will enhance the customer information research offices in each region to collect information faster.
Establish and “Automotive Center of Quality Excellence” in key regions to further develops quality management professionals.
Support from Outside Experts – Toyota will seek confirmation and evaluation from outside experts – in line with the industry’s best practices – of its newly improved quality control management, based on the above improvements.
Increased Communication – In addition, Toyota will work to increase the frequency of communication with regional authorities.
Improve regional autonomy – To provide customers with satisfying products in each and every region, Toyota has long promoted the autonomy of its regional subsidiaries. We intend to further enhance this autonomy, listen carefully to each and every customer and improve quality.

Toyota is following through on plans to overhaul quality and safety processes.

In early March, announced that former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater will lead an independent North American Quality Advisory panel to advise the company’s North American affiliates on quality and safety issues. He and his team will have direct access to Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda.
Established a North American Quality Task Force. This group is led by Steve St. Angelo, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America. Mr. St. Angelo will guide the implementation of regional improvements on quality and safety processes in concert with the Special Committee for Global Quality led by TMC President Akio Toyoda.
Implemented a rapid-response Swift Market Analysis Response Team (SMART) that will work to contact customers within 24 hours of receiving a complaint of unintended acceleration to arrange for a comprehensive on-site analysis.

Status of Vehicle Repairs

Toyota has been working around the clock to remedy the problems to the vehicles
- Floor mat entrapment: 1.2 million vehicles repaired
- Sticking pedal recall: 1.4 million vehicles repaired
- Prius/HS250h brakes: 100,000 vehicles repaired

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - Capitol Hill Meetings

Capitol Hill meetings were organized with members of Congress and Senate from 23 States, where Toyota has presence.
Toyota Group supplier companies were well represented. Aisin was represented by Sam Hattori, Scott Turpin, and Mike Lapinski from AWA/AHA; Dave Bolton from ADVICS and Will Collins from AW North Carolina. However, Sam did not attend the meetings on Capitol Hill.
Aisin participated in meetings with legislators from Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and North Carolina. The Aisin contingent presented an Aisin fact sheet consisting of a summary for the state on one side and a group overview on the reverse side to inform legislators about Aisin activities in North America.