The company name was changed from Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. to Astemo, Ltd. on April 1, 2025.[1]
Overview
Hitachi Astemo was established in January 2021 as a global automotive components manufacturer through the business merger of Hitachi Automotive Systems, Keihin Corporation, Showa Corporation and Nissin Kogyo.[2][3]
The name "Astemo" stands for "Advanced Sustainable Technologies for Mobility", reflecting the company's focus on technologies related to connected, autonomous, shared and electric mobility. Astemo develops automotive technologies aligned with the industry trends of connectivity, autonomous systems and electrification, with a focus on both passenger and motorcycle applications.[4][5]
Astemo's ownership structure includes major stakes from both Hitachi, Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd., each holding 40%, with JIC Capital holding the remaining 20%. While Astemo includes former Honda-affiliated parts manufacturers, it also maintains business relationships with Nissan Motor Co., reflecting Hitachi's historical ties to the Nissan Group.[3][4]
Strategic Direction and Market Position
Astemo has expanded its research and development activities in electric powertrains, advanced driver-assistance systems, and in-vehicle software. These efforts support its strategic focus on electrification and autonomous mobility. The company has also pursued partnerships and vertical integration to address industry competition and supply chain challenges.[6]
In December 2024, the Government of Cantabria awarded the Hitachi Astemo Buelna plant a €1 million grant through SODERCAN’s competitive programme for major industrial competitiveness projects. The funding supports a €5 million experimental development project focused on advanced braking systems, to be completed over 18 months. This initiative underlines the region’s strategic support for automotive innovation and sustainability efforts.[7]
Technology and Innovation
Astemo develops components for electric and autonomous vehicles, with a focus on integration of key systems such as power control units, motors, inverters, and software-defined vehicle platforms. The company also emphasizes model-based systems engineering and virtual validation to shorten development timelines and reduce prototyping costs.[5] In 2023, Astemo announced a ¥15.3 billion (~US $100 million) expansion of its Berea, Kentucky plant to support its electrification business.[8]
In July 2025, Astemo announced a £100 million investment in its Horwich manufacturing facility in Bolton, Greater Manchester. The project will establish a new production line dedicated to electric vehicle (EV) inverters, making the site the only facility in the United Kingdom with this production capability.[9][10]
Products and Technologies
Astemo manufactures systems and components for:
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving[4][11]
Hitachi Ltd. begins production of automotive electric parts in Japan.[13]
1937
Tokyo Kiki Kogyo, Ltd. is spun off from Tokyo Gas Electric Industry, Ltd.[13]
1938
Tokyo Kiki Kogyo, Ltd. becomes a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd.[13]
1956
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Atsugi Plant is spun off to form Atsugi Automotive Parts.[13]
1965
Tokyo Kiki Kogyo Ltd. changes its name to TOKICO, Ltd.[13]
1989
Atsugi Automotive Parts changes its company name to Atsugi Unisia.[13]
1993
Atsugi Unisia merges with Nihon Denshi Kiki Co., Ltd. to form Unisia Jecs Corporation.[13]
1999
Acquired 16.7% of the stock of Unisia Jecs Corporation to strengthen collaborative development.[13]
2002
Unisia Jecs Corporation becomes a wholly owned subsidiary and changes its name to Hitachi Unisia Automotive, Ltd.[13]
2003
The Automotive Products Division is renamed Automotive Systems. Established Hitachi Automotive Systems Europe GmbH in Germany. Established Hitachi Highly Automotive Products (Shanghai), Ltd. in China.[13]
2004
TOKICO and Hitachi Unisia Automotive merge with Hitachi Ltd. Commenced operations of Guangzhou Hitachi Unisia Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. in China.[14]
2009
Hitachi Automotive Systems is formed as an independent entity.[13]
2023
Hitachi, Ltd. announces the sale of a portion of its shares, adjusting ownership stakes to Hitachi and Honda each holding 40%, and JIC Capital holding 20%.[15]
As of 2025, Astemo operates over 100 business sites globally, including manufacturing plants, R&D centers and regional offices across Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Key locations include:
Japan: Headquarters – Shin-Otemachi Building, Tokyo
United States: Manufacturing Plant – Berea, Kentucky, where Astemo is investing $153 million to expand production of electric vehicle components and create over 200 jobs[16]
Astemo's facilities span over 25 countries, including sites in Mexico, France, Brazil, Thailand and Vietnam. A complete list is available on the Astemo Global Network.[17]
In September 2025, CBS News and The Detroit News reported that Astemo planned to establish a regional headquarters in Wixom, Michigan, as part of a $95 million investment expected to create about 200 jobs.[18][19]
On December 21, 2021, Hitachi Astemo admitted to falsifying inspection data on brake and suspension components. Over 50,000 instances of improper testing were identified, dating back to 2003.[23][24]
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