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Reflecting and looking forward

Pioneers.
That’s the best word to describe DENSO’s first associates, both in Japan and North America.
Almost 40 years ago, Akira “Andy” Kataoka landed in North America with a suitcase and a dream:
“I had a dream when I came to the shores of this great land,” said Kataoka. “And that was to help DENSO grow its business within the world’s largest auto market by creating trust with potential customers.”

DENSO was the first major Japanese automotive supplier to set up a sales office in North America, before overseas automakers had established a strong footprint in this region. This was a courageous decision by the leaders of DENSO. They recognized North America would be a critical region for the company’s continued growth and success.

The first sales office was established in Chicago in 1966, along with a subsidiary office in Los Angeles. In 1975, the sales office moved to Detroit, followed by DENSO’s first full-scale overseas production operations in Battle Creek in 1984, and its first overseas Technical Center at DENSO International America (DIAM), in Southfield, Michigan, in 1985.

Thanks to the hard work and commitment of our associates, DENSO has earned the trust of North American customers. We have grown from two locations to 23 companies across the United States, Mexico, and Canada with sales of more than $11 billion.

Today, North America has the longest history, the most products adopted by customers, and the most associates among DENSO’s overseas regions. In other words, we have the greatest responsibility to our customers, partners, associates, and society.

The mobility industry is in the midst of tremendous change, and in our next 75 years, DENSO will face increasing complexity and uncertainty. We will certainly make missteps along the way. But we know if we try something and it doesn’t work, we can fix it together.

We will continue to transform our business portfolio through business and manufacturing strategies aligned with our stakeholders’ needs and our philosophy and purpose—to contribute to a better world through our two great causes of Green and Peace of Mind.

I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

As we look to the future, let’s continue to focus on what makes us great: our passion for innovation, our drive to create positive change, and our commitment to creating a better world. Here’s to the next chapter, filled with even more growth, opportunity, and impact.