DENSO, the world’s second largest mobility supplier, announced that it will invest $1.3M USD to open the Texas Innovation and Connected Service Center in Plano, Texas.

The company will use the state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) lab to innovate connected technologies and vehicle service solutions in support of its long-term plan, the company’s guidepost for creating new value in future mobility.

Sixty employees from three groups are located at the site. These include DENSO International America, Inc. Sales and Engineering; DENSO Products and Services Americas, Inc., which focuses on vehicle service parts and tools; and DENSO TEN, a DENSO subsidiary that produces automotive electronics.

“This technical centre, and our Texas employees, will play an important role as DENSO continues to develop advanced technologies that will redefine transportation,” said David Williams, director of Texas Innovation and Connected Service Center, DENSO. “We look forward to beginning work on new and exciting products that will undoubtedly enhance DENSO’s larger R&D ecosystem.”

Toyota, along with other customers, will help accelerate R&D activities at the new site and spark new advancements in future mobility, connected technology and vehicle servicing.

“Toyota and DENSO have long been known for being at the forefront of automotive innovation, often times doing so together,” said Zack Hicks, chief executive officer and president, Toyota Connected North America, and executive vice president and chief digital officer, Toyota Motor North America. “Through the Texas Innovation and Connected Service Center, we look forward to building upon that tradition and collaborating further to take the next step forward in a new era of mobility.”

The mobility industry has evolved rapidly in the last decade, with new technologies like the internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence impacting development of the automotive market. The Texas Innovation and Connected Service Center facility supports these efforts, as do the recent openings of other R&D centres in Montréal and Seattle.

“DENSO’s expansion into Plano is key to our continued R&D growth on a global and regional scale and helps us advance our work with valued customers like Toyota,” said Kenichiro Ito, senior executive officer of DENSO Corporation and chief executive officer of DENSO’s North American headquarters. “Developing software solutions that enhance mobility means recruiting the right people for the task. This is why DENSO is invested in creating research labs across North America that employ the brightest and best of local talent.”

Visit https://www.denso.com/global.