The division aims to expand business operations that will lead to sustained growth. We will do this by continuing to draw on the strengths and unique capabilities of each business segment and by actively conducting new investments and loans.

In the automotive business, we will continue integrated measures targeting the automobile industry. These measures will range from upstream operations (e.g., automotive components) to mid-stream operations (e.g., CBU vehicle exports and knockdown assembly) and downstream operations (e.g., new vehicle sales and the used vehicle and after-sales market businesses). We will also continue to strengthen operations in overseas areas.

In the information and industrial machinery segment, Sojitz aims to expand its business functions in various large-scale plant businesses, including steel, fertilizers (chemicals), and energy and electric power, and it will also take part in large-scale projects. In the SMT equipment sales business, we are endeavoring to expand the scope of operations through business investment and combined business involving electronic components and materials sales. Meanwhile, in the bearings business, we will continue business investment and promote the establishment of supply chain management (SCM).

In the aerospace segment, Sojitz will take the business in a new direction, expanding sales of business jet-related operations in Asia and the Middle East. In doing so, the Company will draw on relevant know-how accumulated over the years through its aircraft operating lease business and other operations. We will also undertake leasing operations aimed at investors by utilizing Sojitz Aircraft Management Corporation, a newly established company.

In the marine segment, we inaugurated the Marine Unit and the Marine Business Department in April 2008. This move will help to further bolster our comprehensive strengths in a wide range of fields extending from shipbuilding equipment to new shipbuilding, second- hand ships, ship chartering, and our own ship-owning business. We also plan to aggressively promote investment projects as well as long-term transportation projects for such major cargo as iron ore and coal.