“I am both honored and determined to lead DENSO to further success as we manage the many challenges in today’s rapidly changing global business environment,” Katoh said. Katoh joined DENSO in 1971, after earning a bachelor’s degree in Business and Commerce from Keio University in Tokyo. After serving as general manager of the Air-Conditioning Planning and the General Planning departments, Katoh was named one of DENSO’s managing officers in June 2004. He became president of DENSO’s European headquarters in June 2005. In June 2007, Katoh was promoted to senior managing director responsible for DENSO’s Corporate Center and Thermal Systems Business Group.

DENSO Corporation has also announced that it will establish a new company in Japan in April 2008 to manufacture car air conditioning systems, which should start operations in January 2010. The company has also agreed with Yangzhou Jiexin Auto Air-Conditioner, located in China, to establish a joint venture to produce bus air conditioning systems. According to the company’s press release, in April 2008 the new company will start producing air conditioning systems for bus manufacturers in China, using the plant and equipment of Jiexin Auto Air-Conditioner.