VOC substances

We have set a medium-term plan and are working to reduce VOCs^*, which are contained in solvents used to paint individual chassis parts and to coat electronic components, and have the potential to pollute the atmosphere. We are bringing together design and production divisions to review manufacturing processes in order to decrease VOC usage, such as by optimizing the shape of spray nozzles to raise product coating efficiency and modifying design drawings to minimize the areas requiring paint application.

* VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). This is the generic name for substances that readily volatilize in the air at normal temperatures and under normal atmospheric pressure. The term generally refers to artificially synthesized substances of this nature.

PCB^*1 Treatment Completed on December 1, 2006

Following resumption of PCB waste treatment operations curtailed as a result of JESCO's^*2 accidental leakage in November 2005, the treatment of the remaining 45 units of condensers containing PCBs at AISIN's Nishio, Anjo and Shinkawa plants was fully completed as of December 1, 2006.

*１ PCB: polychlorinated biphenyl
*２ JESCO: Japan Environmental Safety Corporation, a company engaged in PCB waste treatment