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Yorozu Chairman Shido: Becoming a “Company of Choice” Beyond Keiretsu Ties — Leveraging Operational Excellence and Standardization for Competitive Advantage
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Exclusive Interview
Yorozu Corporation
Mr. Akihiko Shido, Representative Director, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
About This Interview
In the automotive industry, in addition to electrification, multiple changes are occurring simultaneously, including the rise of Chinese automakers, shorter development cycles, trade friction, and geopolitical risks. In this context, automotive parts suppliers are being forced to leverage the cooperative relationships they have cultivated through long-standing business relationships with affiliated companies, while simultaneously reducing their dependence on specific automakers, and honing their own competitiveness.
Yorozu, a major suspension-parts manufacturer, has reduced its reliance on Nissan from roughly 90% of its sales to less than 60%, while expanding business with other automakers, including Toyota. In China, Yorozu took a locally led approach to the development of Dongfeng Nissan’s electric vehicle (EV) “N7” and plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) “N6.” The Gifu plant, the Yorozu Sustainable Manufacturing Center (YSMC), which is Yorozu’s first new plant in Japan in approximately 50 years, is positioned as a base for expanding both the customer base and production technology.
We spoke with Chairman Akihiko Shido, who has led Yorozu Corporation (Yorozu) for many years and also served as chairman of the Japan Auto Parts Industries Association, about the role that the keiretsu (corporate affiliates) has played, the competitiveness necessary for suppliers going forward, his development experience in China, and the on-site capabilities and standardization that support manufacturing.
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Question List
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About This Interview
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Q1Conducting business with corporate affiliates (keiretsu) has supported the growth of Japan's automotive industry. On the other hand, it is often said that we are now in an era where we “can no longer rely on corporate affiliates.” What will be required of suppliers going forward?
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Q2How have you built the "power to be chosen" by diversifying your customer base?
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Q3In China, Yorozu implemented locally led solutions for Dongfeng Nissan’s N7 and N6 models. What are the differences between developing products with Japanese and Western OEMs?
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Q4What are the reasons why your suspension components for EVs have been adopted by a wide range of Japanese automakers?
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Q5How do you position YSMC, Yorozu’s first new plant in Japan in approximately 50 years?
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Q6Yorozu has been promoting automation from an early stage, including introducing Yaskawa Electric's first industrial robot. How will you incorporate AI and DX in the future?
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Q7Yorozu is also focusing on outside sales of dies and production equipment. What is your objective?
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Q8How has your experience of expanding overseas in the wake of the U.S.-Japan trade friction been useful in responding to current tariff policies and geopolitical risks?
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Q9What has been your top priority when it comes to deploying your on-the-ground capabilities globally?
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