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2003


December 24 Announcing the Introduction of a Managing Officer System
November 21 Mitsuba Takes Home the TPM Special Award, the Continuity Award and the Grand Prize
November 10 By winning the Final Round of the 2003 WEMGP, the "World EV Challenge in Sugo", Mitsuba wins the 2003 WEMGP Grand Championship
October 24 Acquisition of International Certificates by Overseas Affiliates
September 4 Mitsuba to Carry Out Vicarious Execution Returns of the Employee Pension Fund to the National Government
August 28 Publication of The Environmental Report (1st Edition)
August 28 Acquisition of Stock in an Overseas Affiliate
May 29 In-company organization and link-up
May 9 Mitsuba Wins Fuel-cell Race in Akita!
April 1 The Establishment of the Atsugi Office
March 31 Mitsuba Scores a Double Victory in Eco Run and Eco Car Competitions!

February

27

The accomplishment of "Zero Emissions"



Announcing the Introduction of a Managing Officer System

During the December 24 meeting of the board of directors, a resolution was passed with regard to the introduction of a new operating officer system to come to effect as of January 1, 2004.

Details are as follows.

December 24, 2003


1. The goal of the introduction of this system

In order to realize increased efficiency in our management, the resolution is designed to clarify decision-making functions and the execution of business affairs.


2. Official announcement

January 1, 2004


3. Managing officers

This time, the resolution is to be carried out in the Development Division and in the Manufacturing Division.

[New Appointments]

New Post Name Previous Position
Managing officer in charge of Logistics / President, Mitsuba Logistics Corporation (Logistics Dept.) Kenichi Mita Officer assistant
Managing officer in charge of Product Development (Development Dept. No.1 / No. 2 / No. 3) Yoshikazu Takahashi Officer assistant
Managing officer in charge of Technological Development (Research and Development Dept., Technical Development Dept, Developmental Planning Dept.) Hiroyuki Otaki Officer assistant
Managing officer in charge of Production Engineering (Production Engineering Dept., Process Development Dept.) Masayuki Oyama Officer assistant

* Terms in parentheses ( ) refer to the division names under the current organization.


* For inquiries concerning this subject, please contact Mr Noriyoshi Tabata of the General Affairs Department, Public Relations Section
Email:koho@mitsuba.co.jp

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Mitsuba Takes Home the TPM Special Award, the Continuity Award and the Grand Prize

We are pleased to announce that the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance, in its 2003 TPM Awards, has bestowed the TPM Special Award on our Niisato Plant, the Class 1 TPM Award for Continued Excellence on our Tone Plant, and the Class 2 TPM Award for Excellence on our affiliate Mitsuba Walbro, Inc. (MWI).

The outlines of these awards are as follows:

November 21, 2003

1. Ceremony

Date: 14:30 Tuesday, December 9, 2003
Place: Pacifico Yokohama
1-1-1 Minato-mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa

2. Awards Received

1) Awards and Granted Plants
Niisato Plant TPM Special Award
Tone Plant Class 1 TPM Award for Continued Excellence
MWI

Class 2 TPM Award for Excellence

2) Activities and Points of Evaluation
Niisato Plant
By combining management innovation activities (MNP) and TPM activities, the Niisato Plant has created 5 virtual companies and implemented increases in the speed of improvements and the development of SCM through real time management using PCs.
MNP Mitsuba Niisato Pulsate Production System
(An ever-active production system of the Niisato Plant)

Virtual companies Fictitious companies created in the Niisato Plant

SCM Supply Chain Management
(Optimization of a chain of trans-corporate activities from receiving orders to sales)

Tone Plant
Guided by the motto of "an ever-evolving plant," the Tone Plant has developed from partial optimization (improvement of operations and processes) to overall optimization (improvement of systems) by adding production innovation to its 8 pillars, and it has carried out activities that are combined with the MTR systems (Mitsuba Tone Ripple Production System and strategy development system) which is based on self-supply, self-support, kindness and visibility.

MWI
Mitsuba Walbro, Inc., has implemented the 8 pillars of TPM activities based on the self-maintenance activities to provide self-protection for its own equipment. It has also implemented a promotion of the worker autonomy by improving knowledge and skills, through the improvement of quality backed by improved capability, and through the establishment of a production base with improved machining and production techniques.

3. Achievements brought by the activities

Niisato Plant
Real sales gain in
comparison with BM
35% increase
Inventory turnover period in comparison with BM 75% reduction
Delivery of poor quality in comparison with BM 94% reduction
Innovative activities with the participation of entire staff were expanded to the "development of people" and development of culture."
"Differentiation" was advanced due to dodgy improvements by using production techniques.

Tone Plant
Reduction of one third of gross loss (2 years)
Delivery of poor quality
in comparison with BM
1/10
Overall equipment effectiveness Over 90%
Reduction of stock by half

MWI
Labor productivity
in comparison with BM
120%
Overall equipment effectiveness Over 85%
94% of the concerned workers are qualified machine maintenance technicians.
Grade 1 technicians: 18 workers (56%)
Grade 2 technicians: 12 workers (38%)

* BM = Bench Mark

4. MITSUBA TPM Particulars

1986 TPM activities initiated (Mitsuba)
1996, Nov. The Niisato Plant begins activities designed to achieve the TPM Award for Excellence
1998, Sep. The Niisato Plant receives the Class 1 TPM Award for Excellence
1999, Jun. MWI begins activities designed to achieve the TPM Award for Excellence
1999, Sep. The Tone Plant begins activities designed to achieve the TPM Award for Excellence
2001, Nov. The Niisato Plant receives the Class 1 TPM Award for Continued Excellence and The Tone Plant receives the Class 1 TPM Award for Excellence
2003, Nov. The Niisato Plant receives the TPM Special Award, the Tone Plant the Class 1 TPM Award for Continued Excellence, and MWI the Class 2 TPM Award for Excellence.

5. Future Activities

With regard to the Niisato, Tone Plants and MWI, plans call for further activities and enthusiastic expansions to be carried out in the future. Other plants and affiliated companies are to follow in our footsteps as we continue in our pursuit to improve our facilities and generate changes in the environment through the establishment of a predisposition towards strong management.


* For inquiries concerning this subject, please contact Mr Noriyoshi Tabata of the General Affairs Department, Public Relations Section
Email:koho@mitsuba.co.jp

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By winning the Final Round of the 2003 WEMGP, the "World EV Challenge in Sugo", Mitsuba wins the 2003 WEMGP Grand Championship

We are extremely pleased to announce that with its victory in the recent "World EV Challenge in Sugo", the Final Round of the 2003 World Econo Move Grand Prix (WEMGP), held on Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3 in Sugo in Miyagi Prefecture, our team won the overall 2003 WEMGP Grand Prix Championship for the second year in a row.

Details of the race are as follows.

November 10, 2003

1. The Contest

Name: 2003 World Econo Move (Sixth Round of the WEMGP in Sugo)

Promoters: The Japanese Association of Financial Econometrics & Engineering (JAFEE)

Venue: Sports Land Sugo (Sugo Circuit in Miyagi Prefecture)

Categories: The competition was for total distance in a 2-hour race on the Sugo Circuit using equal condition batteries supplied by the contest officials.

*The World Econo Move Grand Prix (WEMGP) and the various races that make up this competition are being held throughout Japan in order to encourage the further development of electric vehicles through competition in various venues across the country. This year there were 6 rounds in all.
The 2003 WEMGP Races include the following:
Place Race Name Date
1st Round Osaka WEM in Maishima 2003 21-23 Mar. 2003
2nd Round Ogata WEM 2003 3-4 May 2003
3rd Round Tsukuba WEM in Tsukuba 16 Aug. 2003
4th Round Toyota WEM Toyota 6-7 Sep. 2003
5th Round Shirahama 7th EV Enjoy Trial in Shirahama 25-26 Oct. 2003
6th Round Sugo 2003 WEV Challenge in Sugo 2-3 Nov. 2003

2. The MITSUBA Team

Team Name: Team "Yoishoto!" Mitsuba

Members: 13 (led by Saito Katsuhiko)

Vehicle name:

Hyper USO 800

The Car: Length: 300 cm,
width: 65 cm,
height: 51 cm,
weight: 20 kg,
frame: semi-monocock (employing carbon fiber + alamido honeycomb), three wheels.
Improved reliability and reduced loss with the use of computer-controlled semiconductors for primary-side switching (batteries and condensers).
rear tires: low-resistance, 14-inch National tires (previously Michelin or IRC 20-inch tires).
Loaded with an original "in-wheel D-D" (direct drive) motor that employs an amorphous core for 14 inch tires.
Body modified to match the 14-inch tires (aerodynamic and turning performances improved).
Utiilized a regeneration/constant electric discharge system using a high-performance electric double-layer capacitor.

3. Race Results
Rank Team Car name Record (laps)
1st place Team "Yoishoto!" Mitsuba Hyper USO800 24
2nd place Honda Engineering EVER Orca 23
3rd place Nakayoshi ZDP Super Denchi-kun 23
4th place First Step AISHIN AW Tsubasa 52 19
5th place Team ENDLESS Black Bird 15

4. Team "Yoishoto!" Mitsuba performance for 2003
Race Date Result
1st Round WEM in Maishima 21-23 Mar. 2003 1st place
2nd Round WEM in 2003 3-4 May 2003 6th place
3rd Round WEM in Tsukuba 16 Aug. 2003 8th place
4th Round WEM Toyota 6-7 Sep. 2003 24th place
5th Round 7th EV Enjoy Trial in Shirahama 25-26 Oct. 2003 Did not participate
6th Round 2003 WEV Challenge in Sugo 2-3 Nov. 2003 1st place

5. Final Standings in the WEMGP
Rank Team Points
1st place Team "Yoishoto!" Mitsuba 76
2nd place Kimura Laboratory, Tokai University 71
3rd place Team Unyanyan Kamekichi (Hiratsuka High School of Science and Technology teachers) 64
4th place Nakayoshi ZDP 57
5th place AISHIN AW 55

6. Comments from MITSUBA regarding the race
After not having not participated in the 5th round, we found ourselves ranked in 4th place for GP points. Wining this final round in Sugo was inevitable for us if we were to win the overall Grand Prix championship again this year.
With all the rest of the vehicles one lap behind us, it appeared that we would be in a dead heat with the Honda car until Mitsuba finally managed to eke out a narrow victory margin in this final round.
Our team began the season with an excellent performance winning the first round, but we went through a series of troubles and fought tough battles over the course of the races. Fortunately, we were able to record a victory the final round just like we did the last year. This was the key to our second consecutive Grand Prix championship this year. Of course we are all determined to win our third consecutive championship next year. We thank you very much for your warm support over this past year.

* Further information regarding this race is available at:
The World Econo Move Grand Prix 2003 official website
http://www2.ogata.or.jp/wem/wemgp/03wemgp/03wemgp.htm
2003 World Econo Move website
http://www2.ogata.or.jp/wem/03wem/03wem.htm
Team "Yoishoto" Mitsuba website
http://yoishot.hp.infoseek.co.jp/


* For inquiries concerning this subject, please contact Mr Noriyoshi Tabata of the General Affairs Department, Public Relations Section
Email:koho@mitsuba.co.jp

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Acquisition of International Certificates by Overseas Affiliates

We are pleased to announce that our overseas affiliates, Mitsuba Automotive Systems of Europe (MASE) in Hungary and Mitsuba Sical India Ltd. (MSIL) in India, have acquired ISO certificates.

Details are as follows:

October 24, 2003

1. Hungary
1) Acquired certificates:
ISO/TS16949:2002 and ISO14001

2) Background:
ISO/TS16949:2002 is the latest international quality control standard that has been developed for the automotive industry. Based upon ISO9001:2000, this standard was developed by European and American automotive industry organizations including the Big Three auto makers of the US, major European auto makers, and the Japan Automotive Manufacturers Association,Inc. In as much as plans call for QS-9000, the currently prevailing standard in the industry, to be discontinued in December 2006, ISO/TS16949 is to become the globally recognized standard for the automotive industry.
ISO14001, an International Organization for Standardization standard, is now a prerequisite for corporations as environmental preservation is an essential part of business operations.

3) Certified company
Name: Mitsuba Automotive Systems of Europe Kft.
Address: H-3104 Salgotarjan, Patak ut. 3-4, Hungary
Telephone: (32) 521-420
Fax: (32) 521-435


4) Certified and registered operations:
The assembly of automotive electrical components and systems

5) Certifying and registering organization:
AIB - VINCOTTE International (Brussels, Belgium)

6) Process for acquisition
May 2001 Founding of the company
July 2002 Production and activities for certificate acquisition initiated
Jul.-Sep. 2003 Inspection for certification
Aug. 2003 Acquisition of ISO/TS16949:2002 certificate
Oct. 6, 2003 Acquisition of ISO14001

7) Further developments:
We will strive to make thorough contributions to each and every Mitsuba customer by providing high quality products.


* Company outline
MASE is a Mitsuba affiliate.
Foundation: May 2001
Capital: 1,660 million Hungarian Forints (approx. 860 million JPY)
President: Okabe Harutaka
Eemployees: 103
Major products: wiper motors, power window motors, etc.


2. India
1) Acquired certificate:
ISO/TS16949:2002

2) Background:
Same as MASE.

3) Certified company
Name: Mitsuba Sical India Ltd.
Address: No. 78, C.P. Ramaswamy Road, Alwarpet, Chennai-600 018, India
Telephone: (44) 2499-6259
Fax: (44) 2498-3170


4) Certified and registered operations:
Designing and manufacturing of wiper motors, fan motors and washers for four-wheel vehicles, and manufacturing of AC generators and starter motors for two-wheel vehicles

5) Certifying and registering organization:
AQSR International Inc.

6) Process for acquisition
Mar. 2001 Founding of the company
Apr. 2002 Activities for certificate acquisition initiated
Jun. 2003 Inspection for certification
Sep. 2003 Acquisition of ISO/TS16949:2002 certificate

7) Further development:
The acquisition of this certificate will serve as a turning point enabling us to continue to improve the quality of our products.


* Company outline
MSIL is a Mitsuba affiliate.
Foundation: March 2001
Capital: 60 million Indian Rupees (approx. 150 million yen)
President: Kobayashi Toshiaki
No. of employees: 211
Major products: Wipers, fan motors, window washers, starters, and ACGs

* For inquiries concerning this subject, please contact Mr Noriyoshi Tabata of the General Affairs Department, Public Relations Section
Email:koho@mitsuba.co.jp

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Mitsuba to Carry Out Vicarious Execution Returns of the Employee Pension Fund to the National Government

We would like to take this opportunity to announce that the MITSUBA Corporation application requesting the vicarious execution returns of our employee pension fund to the national government has been approved.

Details are as follows:

September 4, 2003

1. Approval date

September 1, 2003

2. Return objectives These returns are to be carried out with regard to the vicarious execution returns of future pension funds.Specifically, the returns are to cover reserve funds generated from the anticipated periods of service with the company for our employees from the present time to the future.

3. Future plans: We plan to initiate modifications with regard to changes in the previous amounts.

* The term "previous amounts" corresponds to the fixed continuous service reserve fund amounts.

* Mitsuba Employee Pension Fund
1) Established: April 1, 1969
2) Location: 2-14, 2-chome, Nishiki-cho Kiryu,Gunma
3) Representative: Masasuke Yanagishita, chairman

* For inquiries concerning this subject, please contact Mr Noriyoshi Tabata of the General Affairs Department, Public Relations Section
Email:koho@mitsuba.co.jp

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Publication of The Environmental Report (1st Edition)

After giving the matter our serious consideration, the MITSUBA Corporation is proud to announce the publication of the MITSUBA ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2003.

Details are as follows:

August 28, 2003

1. Objectives
This report has been published to serve as a statement of the conditions of progress with regard to MITSUBA's environmental preservation activities with respect to overall company operations, and in order for the public to gain a firm understanding of our efforts in this field.

2. Format: A4 size, 24 pages in full color (four-color)
3. Materials: 100% recycled paper
4. Ink: aroma-free soy ink
5. Execution
period:
from April to July, 2003
6. Period
covered:
April 1, 2002 to March 31, 2003 (including more recent data)
7. Volumes: 1,500
8. Distribution: customers, suppliers, administrative offices, financial Institutions, automotive parts manufacturers, local residents, industrial environmental representatives, mass media, employees (available as well on our in house Intranet)
9. Future
plans:
In order to further substantiate the contents, plans call for annual publications of this report, and we are also planning to make it available in PDF file format on our company's website. Furthermore, in order for as many people as possible to understand just what we are doing, we also plan to produce a digest of the report in English (to be published in September).

* For inquiries concerning this subject, please contact Mr Noriyoshi Tabata of the General Affairs Department, Public Relations Section
Email:koho@mitsuba.co.jp

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Acquisition of Stock in an Overseas Affiliate

We are pleased to announce that the MITSUBA Corporation has decided to increase its acquisition of stocks in Mitsuba Sical India Ltd. (MSIL), a joint venture company located in India.

Details are as follows:

August 28, 2003

1. Objectives
In anticipation of the expansion of the market for automobiles and 2-wheeled vehicles in India, and as an effort to increase the management mobility of MSIL, our company has reached an agreement with South India Corporation (Agencies) Ltd. (SICAL), our joint venture partner in that country in which MITSUBA has determined to increase its rate of investment.

2. Contents of the Acquisition
[Original Condition]
Number of stocks issued: 6,000,000 (Mitsuba/60%, SICAL/40%)

[Stocks acquired]
Stocks acquired: 2.1 million shares
Acquisition value: USD1,100,000
Thereby, the equity holdings of our company became 95%.

3. Date of the Agreement:
Both parties signed the contract on August 26, 2003.

MISL outline
1) Co. Name: Mitsuba Sical India Ltd.
2) Location: No.78, C.P. Ramaswamy Road, Alwarpet,
Chennai 600 018, India
3) Established: March 26, 2001
4) Capital
Investment:
Rs60,000,000 (USD1,250,000)
5) Employees: 211 (as of 12, 2002)
6) Representative: Toshiaki Kobayashi, president
7) Products: windshield wiper motors & links, fan motors,
washer pump & tanks, electric equipment for
2-wheeled vehicles
8) major customers: Maruti Udyog Ltd., Honda Siel Cars India Ltd.,Telco, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. , Hero Honda Motors Ltd., et. al
9) sales: Rs 239,000,000 (for 2002)

* For inquiries concerning this subject, please contact Mr Noriyoshi Tabata of the General Affairs Department, Public Relations Section
Email:koho@mitsuba.co.jp

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In-company organization and link-up

We are pleased to announce that, in a move designed to unify and strengthen the distribution activities of our company, we have decided to establish a link-up between the Mitsuba Trading Co.,Ltd. an affiliate involved in our distribution activities, and the Logistics Department of MITSUBA Corporation.

Details are as follows:

May 29, 2003

1.The Aims of the Link-up
By unifying the distribution activities of the entire Mitsuba group, we feel that we should be able to broaden the field of our distribution efforts and to strengthen them at the same time.

2. Corporate Name Change
In light of this link-up, the corporate name of Mitsuba Trading Co.,Ltd. has been changed to the Mitsuba Logistics Corporation. Employees of our company who have been involved with distribution activities are being sent, on loan, to this company.

3. An Outline of the New Company
1) Corporate name: Mitsuba Logistics Corporation
2) Location: 19-161, Yoriai Oaza, Yabuzuka-Honmachi, Nitta-gun, Gunma Pref., Japan
3) Date of unification: June 1, 2003
4) Capital investment: 70,000,000JPY (unchanged, 100% ownership from the MITSUBA Corporation)
5) Employees: 148
6) Representative: Kenichi Mita, president (determined at the May 28 General Shareholders' Meeting)
7) Business activities: sales, purchases and production distribution activities, transport & warehousing
8) Major customers: members of the Mitsuba Group
9) Projected sales: 3,700,000,000JPY for FY2003

* An Outline of Mitsuba Trading Co.,Ltd.
1) Established: September 1967
2) Location: 19-161, Yoriai Oaza, Yabuzuka-Honmachi, Nitta-gun, Gunma Pref., Japan
3) Representative: Nobuo Shindo, president (assumed office in June 2000, to retire May 29)
4) Capital investment: 70,000,000JPY (100% ownership from the MITSUBA Corporation)
5) Employees: 65
6) Sales: 878,000, 000JPY for FY2002
7) Business activities: transport & warehousing

* For inquiries concerning this subject, please contact Mr Noriyoshi Tabata of the General Affairs Department, Public Relations Section
Email:koho@mitsuba.co.jp

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Mitsuba Wins Fuel-cell Race in Akita!

We are proud to announce that the MITSUBA Team carried out another outstanding performance in the second round of the WEM-GP, the World Econo Movement in Ogata, held on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4 in the village of Ogata in Akita Prefecture. Our team won first prize in the Fuel-cell division and came in 6th in the Lead Acid Storage Battery division.
Details of the race are as follows:

May 9, 2003

1. The Contest
Name: 2003 World Econo Movement (WEM-GP, 2nd Round, WEM-GP in Ogata, Akita)
Promoters: World Econo Movement Executive Committee,
Clean Energy Alliance
Cosponsors: World Econo Move Executive Committee
Venue: Solar Sports Line, Ogata Vil., Akita Prefecture
Races: 1. Fuel-cell Division
2.Lead Acid Storage Battery Division (2003 WEM-GP, 2nd Round)

2. Fuel-cell Division
Competition: Hydrogen storing alloy cylinders distributed by the Econo Move Headquarters were installed to guarantee equal conditions for all competitors as they competed for total distance (in kilometers) covered on a flat circuit within a 2-hour time limit.
Competitors: 12 vehicles

3. Lead Acid Storage Battery Division
Competition: Cars used batteries distributed by the Econo Move Headquarters were installed to guarantee equal conditions for all competitors as they competed for total distance (in kilometers) covered on a flat circuit within a 2-hour time limit.
Competitors: 77 vehicles

* World Econo Move Grand Prix
The World Econo Move Grand Prix is a series of closely coordinated events and competitions held throughout Japan over the course of the year. The objective of the movement is to advance the pursuit of efficient energy utilization in electrically powered automobiles and to promote further technological developments in this particular field. This year, a total of 6 major events are to be held. The following is a list of the 2003 WEM-GP competitions being held.

Location Event Date
1st
Round
Osaka WEM in Maishima 2003 Mar.21-23
2nd
Round
Ogata WEM in Ogata May.3-4
3rd
Round
Tsukuba WEM in Tsukuba Aug.16
4th
Round
Sugo 2003 E.V. Ecorun in SUGO Aug.23-24
5th
Round
Shirahama 7th EV Enjoy Trial in Shirahama Oct.25-26
6th
Round
Toyota WEM in Toyota Nov.1-2

4. The Mitsuba Team
Team Name: Team "Yoishoto!" Mitsuba (composed of company employees)
Members: 13 (led by Saito Katsuhiko)
Vehicle name: [Fuel Cell Division]
* USO 800 predecessor
* The Car: Length: 284 cm, width: 79 cm, height: 55 cm, weight: 16 kg, frame: ROHACELL + carbon fiber monocock, with three wheels.
* Loaded with a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEFC) manufactured by the Daido Metal Co., Ltd.
* Achieves the utilization of heat generated from endothermal reaction measures of hydrogen storing alloy cylinders in fuel cells.
* Employs electric double layer capacitor with extra low resistance that complements the special qualities of the generation of electricity.
Vehicle name: [Lead Acid Storage Battery Division]
* Hyper USO 800
* The Car: Length: 300 cm, width: 65 cm, height: 51 cm,
weight: 20 kg, frame: semi- monocock + alamido honeycomb,
with three wheels.
* Utilizes an amorphous core Loaded with an original
"in-wheel D-D" (direct drive motor)
* The first stage (battery capacitor) switch-over is controlled by a computer semiconductor for additional reliability and reduced loss.

5. Race results
[Fuel Cell Division]
Order team name car name distance
covered(m)
1st
place:
Team "Yoishoto!" Mitsuba USO 800 predecessor 55,005.15
2nd
place:
Nagano Industrial H.S. S.P. evolution ver. 4 41,629.72
3rd
place:
Utsunomiya Industrial H.S., Scientific Research Technology Div. UK-hope 2003 39,460.18
4th
place:
Team DDW DDW 030 36,126.20
5th
place:
Scuderia Takayama Industrial H.S. TK-R FC 35,415.43
6th
place:
Waseda University Nagata Laboratory Zephyranthes 29,612.20

[Lead Acid Storage Battery Division] (2003 WEM-GP, 2nd Round)
Order team name car name class distance covered(m)
1st
place:
Nakyoshi ZDP Miracle Denchi-kun O 78,550.40
2nd
place:
Honda Engineering EVER-BLUE Aqua O 77,160.40
3rd
place:
Tokai University, Kimura Laboratory Faraday Magic O 76,949.32
4th
place:
Nakyoshi ZDP Super Mothra O 76.580.72
5th
place:
Team Unyanyan Kamekichi Econo Kamekichi 2.5 O 76,138.00
6th
place:
Team "Yoishoto!" Mitsuba Hyper USO 800 O 75,571.80
*Regarding the class designation
O / Open Class / participants must be 18 or over on the day of the event / a class for drivers over 18 years old
J / Junior Class / This is a class for teams of drivers and members who are between the ages of 15 and 17 on the day of the event. This is also a team class for entries from schools in which the driver and over half of the members are students.

6. Comments from Mitsuba team regarding the race
This was the first time for a Fuel Cell Division race to be held, and with no experience in this particular division, it proved to be a continuous learning experience for our team. Since one of our members was a professional chemist, much time for the preparation for the race was spent inside the laboratory. While this was the first race of its kind ever to be held, we feel that our team's victory was due to the members taking full advantage of their previous experience.
Thanks to advances in the performance of our motor and controller, our team was able to respond sufficiently in the qualifying rounds of the Lead Acid Storage Battery Division. Unfortunately, in the very first lap of the final race, they experienced some electrical problems with leads and contact points that led to an insurmountable 10-minute delay. When the car got back on the track, our driver made a valiant high-speed effort that enabled the team to achieve a respectable 6th place finish.
The next competition will be the WEM in Tsukuba, held at the Tsukuba Circuit on August 16. This is a circuit race that demands the more basic automobile performance areas of speed, turns and stopping. We can count on the members of Team "Yoishoto!" Mitsuba to do their very best, as always.

The victorious USO 800 predecessor

A scene of the Lead Acid Storage Battery Division

For further information regarding this race is available on the World Econo Move Grand Prix 2003 Official website.
http://www2.ogata.or.jp/wem/wemgp/03wemgp/03wemgp.htm
World Econo Move Official website.
http://www2.ogata.or.jp/wem/03wem/03wem.htm
Team "Yoishoto" Mitsuba website
http://yoishot.hp.infoseek.co.jp/

* For inquiries concerning this subject, please contact Mr Noriyoshi Tabata of the General Affairs Department, Public Relations Section
Email:koho@mitsuba.co.jp

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The Establishment of the Atsugi Office

The Mitsuba Corporation is proud to announce the opening of a new office in the city of Atsugi in Kanagawa Prefecture. This office will serve as a local Mitsuba sales office.

Details are as follows.

April 1, 2003

1. Objective
1) Strengthening of our sales services for our customers
2) Pioneering new markets through increased marketing activities.

2. An Outline of the Atsugi Sales Office Base
Name: Atsugi sales Office, Tokyo Office, Mitsuba Corporation
Location: Totasu Bldg. 2F
5-43-16 Asahi-Cho, Atsugi City, Kanazawa Pref.
243-0014
Office Manager: Tozaki Tsutomu (concurrently Tokyo Office general manager)
Employees: 10

3. Dates
Opening: April 12, 2003
Operations: April 14, 2003

* For inquiries concerning this subject, please contact Mr Noriyoshi Tabata of the General Affairs Department, Public Relations Section
Email:koho@mitsuba.co.jp

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Mitsuba Scores a Double Victory in Eco Run and Eco Car Competitions!

The Mitsuba Corporation team participated in the recent Eco Car Festa 2003 held in the Konohana Ward, Osaka, from Friday, March 21 through Sunday, March 23. Among the variety of eco car classes in which competitions were held, we are extremely pleased to announce that our team won first place in the first round of this year's World Econo Move Grand Prix (WEM-GP), the "World Econo Move in Maishima Osaka 2003", and in the "First Twin Trial Maishima 2003 for Non-engine Non-motor Cars". Details of the races are as follows.

March 31, 2003

1. The Contest
Name: Eco Car Festa 2003
Promoters: Eco Car Festa 2003 Executive Committee
Cosponsors: World Econo Move in Maishima Osaka 2003 Executive Committee,Kansai Econo Power Competition Executive Committee
Categories 1. Various events for Eco Cars
a. World Econo Move in Maishima Osaka 2003
b. First Twin Trial Maishima 2003 for Non-engine Non-motor Cars
c. Others
2.Miniature Fuel cell Battery Car Radio Control Race, etc.

2. World Econo Move in Maishima Osaka 2003
Competition: Cars were outfitted with small batteries provided by the promoters and competitions for total distances covered in 1 hour and in 2 hours.
Competitors: 42 cars
*World Econo Move Grand Prix
The World Econo Move Grand Prix and the various races that make up this competition are being held throughout Japan in order to encourage the further development of electric vehicle technology through competition in various venues across the country. Last year, 5 events were held over the course of the year. With the addition of this Maishima Osaka event, there will be a total of 6 major events held in 2003. The 2003 World Econo Move Grand Prix Races include the following:

3. First Twin Trial Maishima 2003 for Non-engine Non-motor Cars
Competition: Cars run over a 500 m straight course. Two cars start simultaneously and run over a predetermined hilly course. The first car to reach the control line 200 m from the starting line wins the competition. (Participating cars can also run in the World Econo Move Grand Prix events.) Competition is in the form of a tournament with winners proceeding onto the next round.
Competitors: 9 cars

4. The Mitsuba Team
Team Name: Team "Yoishoto!" Mitsuba
Members: 13 (led by Saito Katsuhiko)
Vehicle Name: Hyper USO 800
The Car: Length: 300 cm,
width: 65 cm,
height: 51 cm,
weight: 20 kg,
frame: semi- monocock (employing carbon fiber + alamido honeycomb),three wheels.
Loaded with an original "in-wheel D-D" (direct drive motor) with an amorphous core.

5. Race results
*World Econo Move in Maishima Osaka 2003
Order team name car name class distance covered
(km)
1st place: Team "Yoishoto!" Mitsuba Hyper USO 800 O 63.382
2nd place: Team Unyanyan Kamekichi Econo Kamekichi O 63.213
3rd place: Tokai University Kimura Laboratory Faraday Magic O 62.114
4th place: Kihoku Industrial H. S. Manufacturing Technology Club Spirit of Kihoku J 60.441
5th place: Ahiru Ecopa Racing PURSUITER O 59.716
*First Twin Trial Maishima 2003 for Non-engine Non-motor Cars
1st place: Team "Yoishoto!" Mitsuba TT-7
2nd place: Team TGMY Ashida details not available due to late entry
3rd place: Honda Gakuen Kansai School details not available due to late entry

6. Comments from MITSUBA regarding the race
This was the first WEM-GP event of the year, as well as the first time for our team to run on these particular courses. Our team members examined the course layouts and determined the unique characteristics of the course prior to the start. Once the events had begun, they were confronted with a number of unforeseen circumstances, but they were able to pass through the elimination rounds and the final rounds successfully. We are especially pleased that they were able to earn GP points in the first competition of the year, and we are all looking forward to another successful season for our team. Currently improvements are being carried out in anticipation of the 2nd event that will be held on May 3 and 4 in Akita, the home of the World Eco Movement. As the defending champion, we are all anticipating a valiant effort by the members of our team as they try for a repeat of last year's victory.

For further information regarding this race is available on the World Econo Move Grand Prix 2002 Official website.
http://www2.ogata.or.jp/wem/wemgp/03wemgp/03wemgp
Eco Car Festa 2003 website
http://www.2and4.co.jp/eco_car_festa/Eco_Car_Festa.html
Team "Yoishoto" Mitsuba website
http://yoishot.hp.infoseek.co.jp/

* For inquiries concerning this subject, please contact Mr Noriyoshi Tabata of the General Affairs Department, Public Relations Section
Email:koho@mitsuba.co.jp

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The accomplishment of "Zero Emissions"

MITSUBA continues to direct its attentions toward the realization of an abundant and safe environment as we strive for a continuous coexistence with our natural environment through technological developments that are concerned with maintaining our society and our environment. Since 2000, and as a link in this chain of our environmental concerns, MITSUBA has continued to aim towards the total elimination of useless waste materials generated in our plants and offices in our company-wide full-scale confrontation with the concept of "Zero Emissions". We are pleased to announce at this time, we have been able to achieve our goal of zero emissions. Details of our efforts are as follows.

February 27, 2003

1. The sphere of our activities
All MITSUBA sites
(Headquarters building, Research and Development Center, Niisato plant,Akagi plant, Onishi plant, Tone plant, and the Logistics Division)

2. Mathematical objectives of Zero Emissions
"The achievement of a company-wide recycle rate of over 99% for a period of three consecutive months." This is the goal that we have set for ourselves in order to claim that we have indeed achieved "Zero Emissions" in our company.

<for reference>
Past achievements (based on yearly figures) are shown below.
1998: 94.2%
1999: 93.9%
2000: 95.4%
2001: 96.9%

3. Monthly figures for the past fiscal year
April / 98.7%
May / 98.7%
June / 99.8%
July / 99.4%
August / 97.3%
September / 99%
October / 100%
November / 99.6%
December / 99.5%
January / 99.9%

*Total figures up to the month of January (99.16%) indicate that we have cleared the 99.00% barrier.

4. Monthly figures for the past fiscal year
Major activity achievements
1) Sludge
The extraction of iron and lead particles from sludge
2) Waste plastics
1 .Used as a plastic base for stretch film, and to make garbage bags.
2 .Powdered paints undergo thermal recycling.
3 .Packing materials (soft plastics) are recycled and used as raw materials, and as RPF.
4 .Copper is retrieved and plastic is thermally recycled from printed circuit boards.
5 .Certain parts of waste plastics undergo thermal recycling.
*thermal recycling = retrieving heat energy from waste materials
3) Waste oil
1 .Oil-based waste oil is recycled into crude petroleum, part of which is recycled for use within the company.
2 .Oil is retrieved from oil/water mixtures and used as furnace fuel.
3 .Waste oils that boil at low temperatures (liquid detergents, gasoline, etc.) are recycled and used as detergents within the company, while gasoline is recycled for use as a furnace fuel.
4) Waste glass and ceramics
1 .Grinding stones, fire-resistant tiles, etc., are used as a foundation material in pavement and building foundations.
2 .Glass and mercury are retrieved from fluorescent tubes and recycled.
5) Waste acid and alkali
1 .Sludge retrieved after neutralization is used as a raw material in cement.
6) Other
1 .Lead is retrieved from dry cell batteries and recycled.

5. The direction of our future efforts
In the future, we hope to be able to further elevate our recycling efforts and, at the same time, to promote the reduction of the volume of waste materials. Also, it is our intention to promote the development of MITSUBA products that are recyclable.

* For inquiries concerning this subject, please contact Mr Noriyoshi Tabata of the General Affairs Department, Public Relations Section
Email:koho@mitsuba.co.jp

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