Chapter 1: A History of DENSO Europe

DENSO has enjoyed a long and illustrious history, having come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1949. During that time, it has undergone a significant transformation in terms of its manufacturing, research and development, and technological capabilities, as well as the scale and scope of its operations. It is now an established market leader with global operations and a workforce of more than 165,000 people.

Its success in different markets around the world has been built on an unrivalled ability to adapt to the changing needs of the industries it serves, while also improving products and services to suit specific regional cultures and requirements. The different entities that comprise DENSO CORPORATION reflect their local and regional differences while still retaining the quintessential DENSO Spirit that has existed since the very outset of the DENSO story; one which has played such an important part in its overall success.

But how did a Japanese manufacturer of automotive components come to have such a vast presence in Europe? To understand this question, one must first understand the historical context, as well as the wider economic and political backdrop within Japan. In this chapter, we will explore the evolution of DENSO Europe, touching on some of the milestones within its history and how these have shaped the business in the past and are defining its vision for the future.