Creating New Value by Connecting Cars, People and the Environment.
Last year people were severely affected by natural disasters such as the Great Tohoku Earthquake in Japan and torrential flooding in Thailand. Full recovery is still far from complete. Our prayers go out to all those who have suffered during these difficult times, and we sincerely hope for their speedy recovery.
In today’s volatile and severe business environment, the automotive industry which forms the base of Clarion’s business is, fortunately, anticipated as a sector that will help turn the economic tide on a global scale. Although each region is affected by its own economical climate, globally this industry is expected to undergo major growth in the future. Most noteworthy is the highly anticipated growth in so-called emerging countries. In these locales, our domain of “in-vehicle information equipment” is entering an important phase of change.
Cars need to address the two major challenges of “eco” and “safety”, and cloud computing is gaining attention as a viable solution. Initiatives have been made in the past to utilize IT as such a solution, however the innovations in communication technology over the last few years have opened new doors. The burgeoning growth of smartphones is also a key factor. Here too, we see that cloud computing is utilized to provide a constant source of optimized information.
Our company has decided to position the major opportunity afforded by this technology as one of the pillars of its business activities. This wish is embodied in the message “Expansion From In-Vehicle Equipment Manufacture To In-Vehicle Information Solution Provider”.
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Tatsuhiko IZUMI : President
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Expansion From In-Vehicle Equipment Manufacture To In-Vehicle Information Solution Provider
The market environment surrounding Clarion is in upheaval. Clarion will face this rapidly changing market while promptly adapting and evolving its business model. As such, our domain will be shifting from the previous car navigation and audio as an in-vehicle equipment manufacturer, to new business domains of “Automotive Cloud Information Network Service” including software and service, as well as “Vision System” business in the realm of safety and security.
Realizing value-added products and services that “connect” by letting people access the various information and service they need, in their daily lives, any time they want, in an optimized format, so they can feel more fully a sense of safety, security and comfort. Managing the information required for vehicles, people and the environment, in a cohesive manner, to provide each of our customers with maximum value through safety and comfort. These are the things that Clarion will provide by simultaneously developing a comprehensive information management system and optimized user interface, and linking them together to provide uniquely attractive customer value. Moreover, Clarion will pursue the limitless potential of future innovation, such as contributing to social infrastructure through energy management aimed at lessening the burden on the environment.
Activities of a Truly Global Corporation
Clarion divides its global operations into five regions, namely Japan, the Americas (North/Central/South America), Europe, China, and ASEAN/India. Each region maintains its own control function regarding the region, including the functions of marketing, development, production, and sales. We hope to provide each and every region with the ideal products and services, by organically combining various functions based on geographical region, customers, and products. Instead of controlling everything from the headquarters in Japan, all regions will have the rights and responsibilities that come with autonomy, and by swiftly coordinating with other regions, a highly global management organization can be set up.
Activities Geared Toward a Sustainable Society
Global warming is one of the most critical environmental issues facing our planet, and its effects are growing more severe with each passing year. As the earth experiences abrupt environmental changes, the importance of environmental measures as a corporate responsibility also rises, as we attempt to realize a sustainable, recycle-based society.
At Clarion, we have positioned these environmental issues as business challenges, and are implementing environmental management throughout all aspects of our business activities. In keeping with our aspirations to be a “company that is truly needed by society”, environmental considerations and activities such as these will be mission-critical to our enterprise.
To Our Stakeholders
To our customers
I wish to state that as society and technology continue to evolve, we will go on finding out user needs as quickly as possible, to provide unique products and services that incorporate the latest innovations. We will not rest as we continue to create products and services that offer true satisfaction, comfort and joy to our customers.
To our shareholders
I wish to report our intention to transform into a more robust corporate structure. We will continue to face lofty challenges to meet our new objectives.
To our suppliers and business partners
I would like to state that the entire Clarion Group is establishing “Automotive Cloud Information Network Service” as a new keystone for our business in addition to in-vehicle information equipment. As changes in the market environment, globalization, and technological advances all contribute to the accelerated pace of change in the world we live in, we will move as swiftly as possible to accommodate new challenges through an optimized corporate structure. Clarion promises to always be a clear thinker that is quick to action.
Lastly, our new brand statement “moves you∙connects you” represents our strong wish that “By keeping you connected to sound, information, convenience and safty...Clarion moves you”.
In order to achieve these promises and attain customer satisfaction, we are considering raising our brand value as an issue of utmost priority. We hope that the Clarion brand as seen through your eyes will continue to become ever more appealing.
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