"Dream Team" Gathers Around Takata's "Dream Machine"

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 100 members of the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC) and the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MHCC) gathered here on March 5 to get a close-up look at one of the world's most advanced crash test systems and advice on how to get certified as minority businesses.

Rob Fisher, President of Takata Corporation's North American Subsidiary, TK Holdings, Inc., described the company's $20-million dollar, state-of-the-art computational crash simulation and dynamic crash test system as "one of the most important tools we use in producing the best vehicle safety systems available in the world today."  The device, also known as "the sled," simulates the impact of collisions in a variety of crash configurations, including head-on, rear-end, side impact and rollover at both high and low speeds.

"Our company has a dream.  We dream of a society with zero fatalities in traffic accidents," Fisher told Takata's guests as they inspected the sled, test "dummies" and other equipment that assures Takata's airbags and other safety equipment are road-ready.  "You are all part of our dream team, and I thank you for coming to explore new ways we can work together."

APACC, MHCC and other minority business development agencies in Michigan help Takata and other major automotive corporations identify minority-owned businesses qualified to provide products and services that meet the industry's exacting standards. 

MHCC Executive Director Camilo Suero praised Fisher for his leadership on the Board of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC).  Suero also thanked Takata for hosting an informational session, presented by Diane Lee, Project Director of the federal Minority Business Development Agency's Detroit Business Center, on how to become minority business certified. 

"Working together with Takata, MHCC can give Hispanic businesses in Michigan a major boost."  Suero said.

"Takata has a truly global understanding of how a diverse network of suppliers helps them help their own customers achieve miraculous safety improvements," added Van Nguyen, Executive Director of APACC.  "Minority-owned companies will continue to play a major role in the production of hundreds of millions of airbags and other safety systems that protect people all around the world." 

"Takata's business practices and products are closely aligned, on a global basis, with our customers, the motor vehicle manufacturers," Fisher noted.  "Thanks to our close collaboration with the biggest and most safety-oriented carmakers in the world, we have produced several industry-first safety systems.  We also have won industry awards and praise from auto safety advocates."

"Ford Motor Company is honored to be on the Board of both APACC and MHCC.  We continue to support joint networking efforts to enhance supplier diversity in our network as well as the automotive industry," said Burt Jordan, Ford Motor Company's Vice President for Global Vehicle and Powertrain Purchasing and Supplier Diversity Development. "We congratulate Takata for hosting the first joint event between APACC and MHCC."

The Troy-based Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC) facilitates and promotes business opportunities among global Asian and U.S. companies and promotes the advancement of Asian Pacific Americans. 

The Beverly Hills-based Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MHCC) promotes economic advancement, growth and sustainability for its members by enabling access to business opportunities and developmental resources through strategic initiatives.

Takata Corporation ("Takata") is a leading global supplier of automotive safety systems, (products include steering wheels, airbag systems, seat belts, electronics, sensors, interior trim, child restraint systems) and supplies all major automotive manufacturers in the world. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, it operates 56 plants in 20 countries with more than 36,150 employees.

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SOURCE Takata Corporation