TOKYO — DENSO Corp. announced this week it is purchasing 25 percent of Smiths Manufacturing (Pty) the largest automotive air conditioner company in the Republic of South Africa (RSA).

DENSO has been involved in the RSA’s automotive air conditioner market since 1982, when it entered into a technical assistance agreement for automotive air conditioners with Smiths. DENSO continues to provide technical assistance to the company on automotive air conditioners, heaters, radiators and electric fans.

Through this new agreement, DENSO and Smiths will work together to enhance competitiveness and manufacturing capabilities. The investment will allow DENSO to expand its business foundation in the RSA and Smiths to expand its technical expertise, according to DENSO officials.

“Approximately 400,000 vehicles were manufactured in the RSA in 2004, and this market is expected to continue growing as a vehicle export base,” said Satoshi Watanabe, senior managing director in charge of DENSO’s Thermal Systems Group.

For more information, go to: www.globaldenso.com.

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