We have drafted the Fourth Environmental Action Plan outlining the environmental policies and plans for the fiscal years 2007 through to 2011, and started activities in April 2006. There are five points to the plan as follows.

Promote the development of earth-friendly new products and technologies
Achieve drastic reductions in environmental load emission volume per unit of sales in our global production activities
Expand AISIN Group consolidated environmental management
Further raise environmental awareness of individual employees worldwide
Further promote nature and environment conservation activities

Promoting "Net Positive" Environmental Activities

There are two steps to environmental activities. One is having regulations and following them, otherwise known as law-abiding environmental management. The other is progressive environmental management, which entails such elements as setting a target and reducing environmental pollution as well as improving the environment by using alternative approaches and ideas.

Our Third Environmental Action Plan, which aimed to reduce harmful effects on society and the environment, was chiefly of the former type. However, the Fourth Environmental Action Plan extends well beyond the preceding plan by accelerating activities that add positive effects to society and the environment.

Expanding Environmental Activities Globally

We are aggressively pursuing the Fourth Environmental Action Plan to become a company respected the world over for our environmentalism. I believe that, if we can achieve the five goals of the plan, we can become a truly environmental company and be respected not only in the industry but also around the world.

In the years ahead, we will undertake environmental activities with even more intensity. At the same time, I am cognizant that expanding environmental activities beyond Aisin Seiki to include the AISIN Group, suppliers, individual companies and subsequently the world will be a major challenge over the next five years. I am confident, however, that you can look forward to our success in five years.