AISIN Drivetrain, Inc. (ADI) recently received Toyota’s prestigious 2023 Superior Launch Performance Award  for the Lexus RX e-Four electric rear axle.  The award recognizes the above and beyond expectation for quality and delivery through the launch phase of the program. The e-Four electric rear axle unit is a crucial component in the Lexus RX and the first unit of its kind in North America. Toyota’s annual supplier recognition program exemplifies a commitment to fostering strong relationships grounded in a shared commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability.

Scott Turpin, president and CEO of AISIN World Corporation of America, and Scott Shade, president of ADI and executive vice president and officer of AISIN Holdings of America, received the award on AISIN’s behalf at the recent Toyota Supplier Award Conference.

Planning for the launch of e-Four production was quite unique as the preparation and equipment runoff fell in the middle of the Pandemic in 2020. Typically, production equipment is designed and assembled in Japan requiring local members to travel overseas for hands-on process and production training. The pandemic banned overseas travel, so the local team worked virtually with our Japan colleagues, despite the international time difference.

 “We were challenged to understand the processes without touching and operating the equipment, but we were able to accomplish our goals virtually, which is a testament to our colleagues in Japan as well as our as our local staff,” said Scott Shade. “Our Japan team did a great job preparing fantastic equipment and processes. Our goal at ADI was to be able to operate and reset the equipment without the assistance of the Japan engineers and machine builders. The hard work and diligence of our international team afforded us a great launch without any misdeliveries or quality issues. This is a well-deserved team award, and I cannot commend these individuals enough,” said Shade.

In addition to the challenges brought by the pandemic, the production processes were designed for 20,000 per month versus the prior built process at 10,000 per month. Furthermore, the actual volume was closer to 25,000 per month which added pressure to the local engineering staff to reduce cycle time. The team did a great job identifying opportunities and implementing countermeasures to meet customer demand with minimal overtime.

“We have been making more parts in less time than we ever have before which is a credit to the energies and efforts of our amazing team,” said Shade.

Each year, Toyota suppliers are thoroughly evaluated based on specific Key Performance Indicators. While the award categories remain consistent, the number of awards presented varies annually based on a comprehensive internal scoring system. Organizations that closely align with Toyota’s performance objectives are given an award during the ceremony.

“We extend our gratitude to all our supplier partners and take pride in acknowledging those who have demonstrated exceptional performance,” said Robert Young, group vice president of Purchasing Supplier Development at TMNA. “All suppliers are valued partners in Toyota’s mission to deliver top-tier vehicles and innovative mobility solutions to customers nationwide. Congratulations to the AISIN team for this recognition and acknowledgement.”