Creating Semiconductor, Bamboo+, and Residential Storage Battery Businesses through Future-Creation Investment

「As part of Future Creation Investments for future growth, in the semiconductor-related field we are developing a production line capable of producing from a single wafer and advancing development of a 0.35 μm process in accordance with our plan. Regarding external sales of custom semiconductors, we have received several inquiries and are examining the feasibility of development. …In the energy field, we have invested in a related venture and examined the potential for commercialisation of thermoelectric generation technology using carbon-nanotube yarn, which directly converts thermal energy into electrical energy by exploiting temperature differences.」

「To accelerate efforts in new technologies and new fields, achieve the targets of our medium-term management plan and create our future beyond those targets, we decided to invest approximately ¥20 billion as “Future Creation Investments.” We will invest in new businesses outside the automotive sector, including external sales of custom ICs for long-tail products in the high-mix, low-volume semiconductor business, “Bamboo+,” a new sustainable material made by upcycling bamboo cut during bamboo forest management by converting it into chip fibers, and the residential energy storage business, thereby creating the future.」