In mid-May, as spring was drawing to a close, we held an Appreciation Event that brought together all of Daihatsu's suppliers.
This event served to express our appreciation directly to suppliers for their ongoing support, as well as to share our commitment to continuing our journey together with them. Through the event, we wanted to show how much Daihatsu values its suppliers.
“Partners” Who Support Daihatsu
As all of you are aware, Daihatsu is an automobile manufacturer, but we do not produce everything from scratch. We bring our cars to market thanks to the support of many “Partners,” including companies that manufacture parts, companies that produce the molds used to make those parts, and companies offering a range of services rather than physical goods.
Not Merely Suppliers, But Vital Partners
Although it varies by model, a single car is made up of as many as 30,000 parts.
Every single part is essential to the safety and peace of mind of our users, and quality is crucial down to the very last screw.
It is only thanks to our suppliers, who manufacture and supply each and every one of these parts using proven technology, that Daihatsu cars can truly embody our “Customer First, Quality First” philosophy.
In other words, our many suppliers (including the approximately 600 companies that are members of the Daihatsu Suppliers Club) can be said to be part of the Daihatsu family.
Daihatsu’s Thoughts
First, we asked the purchasing department who organized it to explain the thoughts that Daihatsu put into the Appreciation Event.
Working as One Team
―I understand that it was the purchasing department who organized this Appreciation Event. Could you tell us a little bit about your day-to-day work?
―Do you interact frequently with the suppliers who attended this event?
I think we have more opportunities to engage with suppliers in our day-to-day work than any other department within Daihatsu.
Furthermore, rather than simply placing orders, we focus on building relationships by explaining the context behind our requests, with the aim of enhancing our mutual competitiveness.
―Given that kind of relationship, I imagine you were particularly keen to make this Appreciation Event a success.
That’s exactly right. We set out to ensure it wasn’t just a formal occasion, but a forum where we could express our appreciation and expectations in honest terms. As a result, we received cooperation from many departments and related general managers, such as in creating vehicle displays and activity presentation boards. I believe we were able to convey our appreciation not only on behalf of the purchasing department but on behalf of Daihatsu as a whole.
―The feedback from suppliers who attended was very positive, wasn’t it?
We received words of thanks from the suppliers, and I believe the Appreciation Event achieved its purpose by creating a space where we could express our appreciation for one another.
That said, there were some inconveniences, including technical issues, so there is certainly still room for improvement.
―So you’re already thinking about improvements for next year.
We always strive to do work the right way and approach it with integrity, taking a long-term perspective. In line with the message of the Appreciation Event, we will continue to do our best with a future-oriented mindset!
―Thank you for those inspiring words!
Appreciation Event: Highlights Video
Our Suppliers’ Thoughts
We spoke to HI-LEX ACT CORPORATION, one of the award-winning companies, about their perspective as a participant.
President Igata, who also serves as a member of the Daihatsu Suppliers Club, shares his passionate views as someone involved in automotive manufacturing. His passionate comments reflecting on his pursuit of “what is best” and “how things should be” are a must-listen!
Honest Thoughts From HI-LEX ACT CORPORATION
―First of all, could you share your honest thoughts on taking part in the Appreciation Event?
It was a great honor not only to have taken part this time but also to have received an award.
I am particularly delighted that our devotion to detail has been recognized.
―Congratulations.
You mentioned “devotion to detail.” Could you tell us what HI-LEX ACT CORPORATION values most?
We are a company that manufactures door parts, and as doors are integral to passengers getting on and off vehicles, we always prioritize the mindset that “people come first.” Amid the trend toward the electrification of so many things, our approach to manufacturing is to create value by incorporating human sensibilities.
― What a great approach.
Given that you hold such a policy, what impression does Daihatsu leave on you, President Igata?
They build cars with the user in mind. I think the focus on people rather than simply selling products is a philosophy we share. In terms of how they engage as a company, there’s a strong sense of cooperation. It’s a company that embodies the Kansai spirit in the best possible way.
―Does that mean you feel the One Team spirit?
I certainly do! Just like through the event’s activity presentation board (display), Daihatsu communicates its vision to us suppliers, which allows us to work together to consider how we should move forward. This really boosts our motivation.
I don’t think we have the sort of relationship typically associated with a manufacturer and its supplier. I sense a real determination to work together to meet the demands of society.
―Thank you very much for your kind words expressing your affection for Daihatsu!
We hope you will continue this journey with us so we can grow together in the future.
Interaction between suppliers
At the venue, we could see suppliers mingling with one another everywhere.
A real sense of being One Team came through clearly—not just in their words, but also in their expressions.
Daihatsu’s Vision for the Future
With the automotive industry said to be undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation, there is no doubt that the current environment is challenging, compounded by instability in international affairs.
Even amid such circumstances, we inquired about what is necessary to do work the right way while remaining steadfast in our commitment to “Customer First, Quality First.”
―What should Daihatsu do to ensure it continues to be valued by its customers?
President Igata HI-LEX ACT CORPORATION
I believe it is about continuing to make cars from a human perspective, infusing them not only with technology but also with the emotions and thoughts unique to Daihatsu.
Kawagoe-san Parts & Materials Purchasing Department
I believe it is about refining the value that can only be realized through small cars and continuing to be trusted as a mobility company that stays close to people’s lives.
Hearing the conversation today, I feel that, while our phrasing may differ, the goals that both Daihatsu and our suppliers are striving for are connected by the phrase “DAIHATSUMEI for Me.”
It is certainly a fact that our suppliers are indispensable to Daihatsu’s business, and for that we are truly grateful.
However, more importantly, this interview has made me want to express my deepest appreciation for the fact that our suppliers share Daihatsu’s philosophy and are walking alongside us as “Partners.”
The Future Shaped by Daihatsu’s One Team
―Finally, as the purchasing department, could you share your aspirations for the future?
We look forward to continuing to grow together as One Team, transforming “change” to “opportunity.”
To achieve this, the purchasing department is committed to engaging with our suppliers openly and honestly, sharing information and maintaining dialogue, and working alongside them to support Daihatsu as everyone’s brand of choice.
―Thank you for sharing your insights with us!
Editor: Fujikawa, Inner Communication Group
We act as a hub of trust and dialogue connecting Daihatsu with our suppliers. By sourcing parts and materials required for car manufacturing, we provide the foundation that enables us to continue delivering Daihatsu’s products to customers in a stable manner.