Takata Automotive Safety Systems

Becoming the world’s leading automotive safety systems companyTakata has long been a pioneer in the field of automotive safety systems, continually leading the development of revolutionary new products with the goal of becoming the world’s no. 1 manufacturer of automotive safety systems. Our integrated global organization comprehensively covers the four main regions of Japan, the Americas, Europe and Asia, and encompasses everything from research & development through production & sales. We supply safety systems to the world’s leading automakers, and currently generate approximately 80% of our annual sales outside of Japan.During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, there was a general improvement in the global busi-ness environment. In Japan, domestic demand was supported by a weakening yen, a stock market rally under the impetus of “Abenomics” (a set of economic measures advanced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe), and a surge in consumer spending ahead of a consumption tax hike. In the United States, the economy benefited from strong personal consumption, despite a particularly severe cold snap in the fourth quarter. In Europe excluding Russia, the economy has begun to show signs of bottoming out. In Asia, meanwhile, there was an economic slowdown in several emerging markets, most notably in Thailand, where political instability is taking a toll, and in India, where the economy remains in a persistent slump. China, on the other hand, continued to show growth from consis-tently solid consumption and demand, despite an easing in the growth rate.Takata’s consolidated sales for the year increased 34.0% to ¥556,998 million. Sales grew in all regions, with additional contribution from translation differences on the back of a weaker yen. Progress in Asia and Europe led to higher earnings at all levels, with operating income rising 81.3% to ¥26,275 million, ordinary income up 50.5% to ¥25,656 million, and net income reaching ¥11,444 million, compared