PLYMOUTH, Mich., April 4, 2007 – Some 75 middle school students from the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation will learn first-hand how a global, Tier One auto supplier operates during a special visit this Thursday at Aisin World Corp. of America in Plymouth.

Students will learn about automotive engineering, logistics, sales and marketing, and how suppliers and manufacturers must work together to produce an automobile, says Aisin Purchasing Manager Karina Stevens, who is heading up the community relations/diversity activity.

“This is our chance to demonstrate how people work together, professionally and cooperatively in the automotive supplier world,” says Stevens. “We hope that by reaching out to young people early and often with positive messages, they will be encouraged to stay in school and consider a future in the automotive industry.”

During the three hour tour and luncheon, Aisin managers and executives will describe the various job functions of people that work at the company here in North America – as well as the network of other locations of Aisin plants and research & engineering centers around the world.

“The fact that Aisin is a Japanese-owned company, with world headquarters in Kariya City, Aichi, Japan, should give these children an even more interesting experience,” adds Stevens. Students will learn about some of the cultural differences between companies in North America and Asia. And, for the adventurous, a sushi lunch will be served along with more traditional, local fare.

About Aisin World Corp. of America (AWA)
Based in Plymouth, Mich., AWA is a subsidiary of the Aisin Group, headed by Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. with corporate offices in Kariya City, Aichi, Japan. The Aisin Group is a worldwide supplier of automotive components, such as brakes, transmissions, drive train, chassis, body and information-related systems and components, and engine-related parts. In North America, the Aisin Group has 26 manufacturing, R & D and sales centers, and approximately 10,000 employees.

About Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC)
DHDC was established as a non-profit community organization in 1997 by Angela G. Reyes, executive director. Over the years, DHDC has developed a wide range of comprehensive, bilingual services that reach over 10,000 youth, adults and families per year. The mission of the DHDC is to empower communities by providing human services and community development projects primarily in Southwest Detroit, through collaborations that create opportunities for employment, education and healthy lifestyles. A goal of DHDC is to provide bilingual information and direct services to individuals through programs centered in the community. DHDC works together with the individual, the family, and the related institutions such as the school system, the judicial system and other organizations within the community.