AISIN - CSR - Social Aspects - Relationships with Customers

Quality assurance at the development and design stages (automobiles)

We perform a variety of inspections at crucial stages in the development and design process on the basis of a quality system.

After the completion of prototypes, we carry out a full range of reliability evaluation tests not only of individual parts, but also of vehicles as a whole and under actual conditions of use in order to verify the quality of design.

Quality assurance at the production stage (automobiles)

At the preparatory stage prior to production we look into whether the process plan is appropriate and at how well the process has been put together.

When embarking on mass production, we verify that it is going to be possible to guarantee 100% flawless quality. This represents the initial quality inspection. We then begin production under the Toyota production system based on the “just in time” concept and automation, and we maintain and manage the process using various methods of quality control.

External assessments (automobiles)

AISIN received commendations from many customers in the course of fiscal 2008 (see the lower-left table).

Principal commendations in FY2008
Name	Customer providing commendation	Target company
Commendation in quality division	Toyota Industries Mercosur	Aisin do Brasil
Outstanding Quality Control Prize	Toyota Motor Corporation, Housing Enterprises Headquarters	Aisin Seiki
Outstanding Supplier Prize	Toyota Industrial Equipment (TIEM)	Aisin Drivetrain
Outstanding Quality Prize	Toyota (North America) (TEMA)	Aisin Automotive Casting
Quality Control Prize, Prize for Outstanding Achievement	Hino Motors	ADVICS
Technical Development Prize, Prize for Excellent Achievement	Hino Motors	Aisin Seiki
GM Supplier of the Year	General Motors (GM)	Aisin Mfg. Illinois
Prize for Outstanding Achievement (Export Category)	Taiwan Toyota	Elite Sewing Machie Mfg.
Excellent Quality Prize	Guangzhou Toyota	Aisin Seiki Foshan Automotive Parts
New Crown Project Commendation (Technical Category)	Toyota Motor Corp.	Aisin AW
Most Outstanding Supplier Prize	Toyota Europe (TME)	Aisin Europe Manufacturing Czech
Excellent Supply Prize	Toyota Industrial Equipment Co., Ltd. (TIESA)	Aisin Europe
Excellent Quality Prize	American Honda Motors	Aisin Brakes & Chassis
Supplier Prize	Toyota Europe (TME)	Aisin Otomotiv Parcalari Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.
TSA (Toyota Supplier Assessment) Performance Prize for Excellence	TMCA	Aisin (Australia) Pty.
Prize for Achievement of Targets for Breakdown Rate in Newly Released Vehicles	Osaka Gas	Aisin Seiki

Taking note of customers' opinions (household goods)

Our Customer Service division is on hand to answer customers' questions about products related to household goods. To enable a prompt, accurate and courteous response to queries, we have computerized information such as that contained in product catalogues. This information is available for instantaneous searching and use.

The opinions, requests and assertions of customers are conveyed rapidly to the related officers and departments on the basis of rigorous system of control over personal information and are used to improve services and in the development of products.

We also actively encourage employees to acquire formal consumer adviser certification to understand more closely the views of customers.

Furthermore, as regards development of welfare devices, developers possessing qualifications as helpers are used so that the points they have noticed while engaged in nursing activities can be used in product development.

Number of inquiries

Graph: Number of inquiries

Itemization of inquiries in FY2008

Graph: Itemization of inquiries in FY2008