In his first European public appearance as President and COO of DENSO, a prominent Fortune 500 automotive technology supplier, Shinnosuke Hayashi announced a groundbreaking €63 billion (¥10 trillion) investment plan in research and development over the next decade. This ambitious investment aligns with DENSO’s commitment to achieving zero emissions and zero traffic fatalities within the mobility and society sectors. Hayashi made this announcement at the IAA Mobility event in Munich, Germany, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the automotive industry in addressing carbon emissions and promoting safety in transportation.
DENSO’s investment aims to support the shift towards electric-powered engines, enabling the development of electrification technologies and expanding its product portfolio to meet the evolving demands of the mobility ecosystem. The company is poised to increase its global production capacity, with plans to produce approximately 12 million inverters annually by 2025.DENSO will consolidate its expertise in vehicle semiconductor production and thermal management systems, contributing to enhanced electric vehicle functionality and range.
Hayashi reiterated DENSO’s unwavering commitment to carbon neutrality, revealing plans to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain by 2050. The company has already made significant progress towards operational carbon neutrality by 2035, with carbon neutrality achieved in its facilities across Japan and Europe.
The DENSO President also highlighted the transformative potential of innovative technologies such as carbon capture and recycling. Furthermore, he mentioned the implementation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) technologies at DENSO’s Japanese facilities. These technologies, which have demonstrated effectiveness in Asia, are set to be introduced to various European facilities in the near future.
Shinnosuke Hayashi stressed the importance of collaboration among organizations worldwide to address the planet’s challenges, with mobility playing a crucial role in this endeavor. He expressed DENSO’s commitment to leading the industry in developing new technologies and solutions that promote safe and high-value mobility and manufacturing. Hayashi’s vision for the company has been shaped by his extensive 37-year career at DENSO, during which he has played key roles in the development of cutting-edge automotive technologies.
DENSO, with a global presence and a revenue of €44.3 billion ($47.9 billion), focuses on developing advanced technology and components for various vehicle makes and models. The company’s commitment to research and development, accounting for approximately 9.0 percent of its global consolidated sales, underscores its dedication to driving innovation in the automotive industry.
In Europe, DENSO operates 27 official group companies in 14 countries and employs nearly 15,000 people. With consolidated revenue of €4.7 billion ($5.1 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, DENSO continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility, striving to improve lives, enhance safety, and protect the environment.
