DENSO, one of the world’s largest automotive technology, systems and components suppliers, is expanding its U.S. footprint with a USD1 billion investment in its Maryville, Tenn., location.

“This is an investment in the future of DENSO, and also the future of transportation. We are seeing dramatic shifts in the role of transportation in society, and this investment will help position us to meet those changing demands,” said Kenichiro Ito, chairman of DENSO’s North America Board of Directors and chief executive officer of DENSO International America.

The investment will expand multiple production lines to produce advanced safety, connectivity, and electrification products for hybrid and electric vehicles, consequently creating about 1,000 new production and support jobs, including technicians and engineers. These systems will play a crucial role in meeting increasing electric vehicle demand.

These new products will radically improve fuel efficiency and preserve electric power by recovering and recycling energy, and by connecting all systems and products inside the vehicles. DENSO’s products will create the highest efficiency for a whole vehicle by anticipating the road environment via collaboration with information outside the car and using data to enhance performance of electrified products.

The investment is part of DENSO’s commitment to advancing automotive innovation in North America, and will significantly increase the role North America plays in the global trend toward vehicle safety and electrification.

The USD1 billion investment in Maryville is the latest in a line of strategic investments in North America for DENSO. The company recently invested USD75.5 million in its Southfield, Mich., headquarters and Dublin, Ohio facilities.

Globally, DENSO is a leading developer of electrification systems for environmentally-friendly automobiles, sophisticated functions involved in vehicle safety and security, and new services that connect vehicles and society.

Headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, DENSO has more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 38 countries and regions (including Japan) and employs more than 150,000 people worldwide.