, however, kansei engineering (affective engineering) is also required, and we maintain specialized groups dedicated to this field. With what we have cultivated so far, the key challenge is how quickly we can move forward, even if it's just a small step, in cooperation with OEMs before suppliers in Japan and overseas make similar moves. Increasing development speed throughout the organization is therefore essential. ,As autonomous driving and AD...

Exclusive Interviews  Updated at: 2026/06/03

Vector: Providing End-to-End Support for SDV Development and Expanding the Software Development Ecosystem The Automotive World (AW) 2026 was held from January 21 to 23, 2026. During the show, MarkLines conducted exclusive interviews with several companies. At the Vector Japan booth, we interviewed Ms. Makiko Tobe, Director of the Marketing Communications Department at Vector Japan and booth representatives. (Note: Vector Japan is the Japanese su...

Exclusive Interviews  Updated at: 2026/06/02

Co., Ltd., we interviewed Mr. Kensuke Oe, Sales Manager at Yokowo, and Mr. Keisuke Fukagawa of Yonezawa Bussan. At the booth, the two companies jointly presented a live V-Band image transmission demonstration using what the companies describe as the world’s first flexible waveguide developed with Japan’s traditional kumihimo (braided cord) technique. The demonstration highlighted how merging long-standing Japanese craftsmanship with Yokowo’...

Exclusive Interviews  Updated at: 2026/06/02

the development of next-generation technologies aimed at achieving cross-industry “co-creation.”TPR is advancing its global operations in the powertrain segment, centered on three core product groups - piston rings, cylinder liners, and valve seats and valve guides (sintered products)—across Japan, China, India, Southeast Asia, and North and South America. At the same time, the company is pursuing strategic initiatives toward 2030 in its f...

Exclusive Interviews  Updated at: 2026/06/02

ed politically. This approach safeguards competitiveness—not only for us as a supplier, but also for the European automotive industry. Global markets differ significantly: Brazil has been using 100 percent ethanol for many years, India still lacks the prerequisites for full electric mobility, and Japan is currently ideally suited for hybrid solutions. Committing Europe exclusively to battery electric vehicles is strategically wrong. Technologic...

Exclusive Interviews  Updated at: 2026/06/02

rse Systems, explained BorgWarner’s products related to its electric Torque Management System (eTMS). As part of its eTMS lineup, BorgWarner showcased three products: 1) eXD Cross Drive, 2) eTVD Electric Torque Vectoring Disconnect, and 3) Concentric Axle Disconnect Module, which was exhibited in Japan for the first time. Three eTMS-related products are on display. What are the characteristics of each?A1. 1) The eXD Cross Drive (eLSD) combines...

Exclusive Interviews  Updated at: 2026/06/02

re efficient combinations towards the flexible use of general-purpose equipment, moving away from the previous focus on dedicated equipment.While the U.S.-China divide presents significant threats, it also offers new opportunities, such as the re-importation of vehicles produced in North America to Japan.Given the intense competitive environment in the current Chinese market, there is much we can learn from Chinese suppliers, such as their short ...

Exclusive Interviews  Updated at: 2026/06/02

ucture and site strategy for addressing regional voltage differences?A3. The EV drive controller for small motorcycles currently in development needs to accommodate different voltage levels for the same core product. For instance, China and Southeast Asian markets operate at 72 volts, while Europe, Japan, and India use 48 volts. Consequently, our development team structure in Japan comprises two groups: one focused on Southeast Asia and another o...

Exclusive Interviews  Updated at: 2026/06/02

Vector Aims to Transform into a Software Ecosystem Provider On January 29, 2026, Vector launched a comprehensive strategic and innovation program in response to structural changes in the software and automotive industries. MarkLines conducted an exclusive interview with Kiyotsugu Tanno, President and CEO of Vector Japan, to learn about the company's business strategy in software development, including SDV development support, and cooperation ex...

Exclusive Interviews  Updated at: 2026/06/02

tomotive semiconductor market for six consecutive years. In August 2025, the company acquired Marvell Technology, Inc. (Marvell)’s automotive Ethernet business and is strengthening its MCU business for Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). MarkLines Co., Ltd. (MarkLines) visited Infineon Technologies Japan K.K. (Infineon Japan), the company’s Japanese subsidiary, and interviewed Hajime Kanbe, President and Representative Director, and Haruyuki Ko...

Exclusive Interviews  Updated at: 2026/06/02

ior is not the primary objective. Furthermore, the system's concept is to "further enhance the value offered by steer-by-wire and promote its widespread adoption." ,What is the background behind the development of Smart SBWS?A1. The starting point for development lies in the structural problems of Japanese society. It is predicted that by 2045, approximately half of the population will be 65 years of age or older, and if half of them surrender t...

Exclusive Interviews  Updated at: 2026/06/02