In today’s Executive Interview, Hiroshi Otsubo, senior managing director, ADVICS Co. Ltd., and Takahiro Goshima, managing officer, ADVICS North America Inc., discuss the recent announcement that ADVICS will take over aftermarket management of the AISIN brake products line. The two senior executives clarify what this change means for the role of the company in the North American market as well as what it means for customers. 
AISIN recently made a major announcement with the news that ADVICS will take over the Aftermarket management of the brake system products they manufacture, beginning Jan. 1. Please explain this change and what this means for both companies.
ADVICS is very excited about being directly involved in the North American aftermarket with this change. When ADVICS was originally established, through the merger of three of the world’s premier brake suppliers, they contracted with AISIN to handle the sales, marketing and distribution of their aftermarket products with their established aftermarket team. During this time, ADVICS focused on the growth of the Original Equipment brake system business.
Today, ADVICS is ready to take over the aftermarket responsibilities and has established the infrastructure to do so. ADVICS is dedicated to building upon the success that AISIN started, and we thank them for building a solid foundation for our future growth.
Why does ADVICS feel the time is right to focus on managing their own sales of brake system products in the aftermarket under the ADVICS brand?
Since 2001, ADVICS [has] matured as a company and now has North American capabilities that were missing when we were initially established. ADVICS has built a strong reputation for quality and reliability with the original equipment market globally, and it is time to concentrate on the growth of the aftermarket using our OE expertise and products. We will continue to provide the same OE level of quality to the industry.
Where are the executive management team and sales staff based?
ADVICS North America Inc. is based in Lebanon, Ohio, near Cincinnati. In addition, we have executive management and sales staff located in our Research and Development facility in Plymouth, Mich. We have additional resources in Japan to support ADVICS global aftermarket sales.
Are there other United States-based ADVICS facilities? What is their contribution to the Aftermarket in North America?
ADVICS has manufacturing facilities located in Ohio, Georgia and Indiana, where it manufactures many of its aftermarket products. The aftermarket products use the same manufacturing capabilities that are used for OE products.
Executives from both companies will be on hand at a shared booth next month at AAPEX. What is the focus for this show?
At AAPEX, ADVICS will share a booth with AISIN to better establish the change and make it easy for customers to inquire about both brands. Also, ADVICS will concentrate introducing current and prospective customers to our aftermarket team while further developing the ADVICS brand and OE competencies of these products.
