Automobiles

Quality assurance at the development and design stages

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.

Establishing reliability and enhancing quality at one of the world’s foremost evaluation facilities

Creating the best possible testing environment as soon as possible as a manufacturer of automobile parts.

In order to satisfy the demands of reliability held by customers all over the world, AISIN believes it is not sufficient merely to test and evaluate the performance and reliability of individual products. The Company has taken the lead among automobile parts manufacturers by having a comprehensive system for appraising the performance and reliability of products, such as by running actual tests and evaluations of products in cars.

We opened our Fujioka Proving Ground in Aichi Prefecture in 1970 and another Proving Ground at Toyokoro in Hokkaido in 1992. Both have circumferential circuits, and we are proud to say that these are among the largest and best equipped testing facilities anywhere in the world among automotive parts manufacturers. Overseas, in 2005 we became the first Japanese supplier to open a Proving Ground in North America, at Fowlerville in Michigan.

Establishment of a new circumferential circuit in imitation of an actual driving environment.

In recent years, automotive parts have become increasingly systemized, complex and equipped with more advanced functions, necessitating improved test evaluations with regard to the compatibility of products with vehicles and to vehicle systems as a whole.

AISIN decided therefore to install a new total circumferential circuit at the Toyokoro Proving Ground in September 2005. We created unbanked curves identical to those present on ordinary expressways along with upward and downward slopes, steel bridges, tunnels and concrete walls in order to create a testing environment identical to a real driving environment. At the same time, it is now possible to evaluate the various functions and performance required of vehicles in addition to drive performance, for instance through the installation of testing facilities related to radio wave interference and ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems).

In the future, to develop products that satisfy market needs in each region, we intend to expand our evaluation facilities premised upon all kinds of driving environments throughout the world and to strengthen our system of development. In addition, we will be directing all our energies toward further improving quality and ensuring reliability in order to fulfill our social responsibility as a manufacturer of automotive parts.

Overview of Testing Facilities

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)

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

Household goods

Taking note of customers' opinions

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.

Retaining the customer’s perspective