Dear Team Members,

Masayasu “Mike” Saito

As summer ends and fall approaches, our days seem to get busier. Meanwhile summer vacations are now memories, and school is back in session.

As we enter the last quarter of the year, many of our daily activities at Aisin are now focused on external events like tech fairs, industry events and auto shows. Earlier this month AWA and ATC-A partnered with Aisin Seiki for a successful showing at the Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress in Detroit. ITS-Detroit provided an opportunity to demonstrate some of our current and future technology, and IT-related products.

We were pleased to welcome some important guests to the Aisin exhibit, including Dr. Soichiro Toyoda, former chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation; Mr. Kanshiro Toyoda, Aisin Seiki chairman; Mr. Fujimori, Aisin Seiki president; and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. Also, many customers, potential customers and media visited our exhibit. I am very proud of the Aisin team and how it worked so well together to create such a successful event.

Next is the Paris International Motor Show featuring the global Aisin Group exhibit, then it’s full speed ahead to our third year as an Official Sponsor of Detroit’s North American International Auto Show. NAIAS continues to provide tremendous awareness for Aisin products and technology especially since we are located with our customers on the main show floor. Thank you in advance for the many team members involved in NAIAS and all external activities. You help us put our best foot forward.

The recent move to the new headquarters in Northville Township required so much planning and perseverance on behalf of all team members of AWA and ATC-A. I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work, dedication and patience throughout the move. I hope you are all enjoying our new home with more space, more parking and room to grow. This is a first class headquarters, which enables us to provide even better service to our customers.

Aisin received extensive media coverage during and after our Grand Opening and customer celebration. I believe this is because Aisin has become an important member of the community in Southeastern Michigan, and industry-wide. Our name recognition continues to rise, and our reputation is growing. So many positive factors within the Aisin family contribute to this standing: the way we do business; our community presence; and the support of our team members.

I am also pleased with the progress we have made globally and proud of the recognition we received in Automotive News, being named the 11th top supplier in North America, and fifth in the world. We could not have reached this position without an improving economy, a healthier auto industry, and the hard work and true dedication of Aisin team members around the world. Business continues to be strong, and we are forecasting a bright future. Thank you for being such an important part of it.

Sincerely,
Masayasu “Mike” Saito