As I write this I am also preparing comments to present at a press conference at Automec, the largest Aftermarket exposition in South America, an important and growing market for us. Aisin, for the first time, is exhibiting at Automec, and will present a brief, but global overview of the company. I was asked by Aisin Seiki Public Relations to join Aisin executives from Brazil and Japan to represent AWA.

Experiences at Automec , AAPEX, SAE World Congress, and at the 2013 North American International Auto Show have energized many of us, and provided continuing or new opportunities to raise awareness of the Aisin brand, and work productively with our counterparts around the world. That pleases me and President Saito because it reinforces the "One Team, Best Future" spirit and demonstrates the importance of teamwork and open, honest communications.

Speaking of teamwork, kudos to all of you who played a role in the successful launch of the Oracle system, which was led by Sumiya-san, AWA Information Systems, and launched recently here in Detroit. Change isn't always easy. Thanks for your effort, support and understanding as we learn the new system together, and work to make our operation more efficient.

Also, in our effort to provide a fresh look, and up-to-date information about our products, technology, people and capabilities, I'd like to congratulate Diwakar Prasad and Alan Coloske and their team for their successful work with New Product Expos being held at TTC, GM, Chrysler, Honda, Nissan and others. Great initiative leads to great results, and in the end, Aisin looks pretty darn good.

And, watch for major improvements of the AWA Website, which will launch in the coming days. As you know, Website design and content development is a major, painstaking process, which requires the work of many. I'm told "we're almost there." Thanks to all of you who have worked on this project.

Finally, I would be remiss by not mentioning the latest profit situation. You all are aware of where we are, where we need to be, and what measures need to be taken.

Since February, all AWA team members have been asked to step in to help correct the situation. Objectives of the new Emergency Profit Recovery Activity are to secure profit amounts through budget planning, improve profitability, and eliminate MUDA thoroughly. In practice, we seek to increase revenue and decrease expenditure in order to secure increased profit.

We appreciate your cooperation in reducing the inefficiencies in your budget activities and look forward to working together to improve our profit margin and effectiveness. Let's continue to focus on the important activities that drive our business and work to eliminate or reduce those that do not. And, let's make the best use of our resources, and your time and talents, in order to be the most competitive and successful .

Sincerely,
John D. Koenig