Key Stats
Calsonic Kansei Corporation operates as a major global automotive parts manufacturer headquartered in Saitama, Japan. The company specializes in cockpit modules, thermal systems, exhaust components, and electronics for vehicle manufacturers worldwide.
Formed through the 2000 merger of Calsonic Corporation and Kansei Corporation, the company served as a key supplier to Nissan Motor for decades. In 2019, the company merged with Magneti Marelli to create the MARELLI brand under KKR ownership.
The combined entity ranks among the world’s largest independent automotive suppliers with operations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Calsonic Kansei products appear in vehicles from numerous global automakers.
Calsonic Kansei History
Calsonic Kansei Co-founders
Calsonic Kansei Revenue
Calsonic Kansei generated approximately EUR 7.7 billion (JPY 998 billion) in consolidated revenue for fiscal year 2017 before the Magneti Marelli merger. The combined MARELLI entity reports estimated annual revenues around $11.5 billion.
*2019 reflects combined revenue after Magneti Marelli merger
Calsonic Kansei Acquisitions
Calsonic Kansei expanded primarily through organic growth and joint ventures rather than major acquisitions. The company established manufacturing partnerships across multiple continents to serve global automakers.
In 1976, Calsonic opened its first overseas facility in California to support Japanese automakers expanding into North America. This marked the beginning of international growth that would eventually span 23 countries. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the company established operations in the UK, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, and China through subsidiary formations.
The 2000 merger between Calsonic Corporation and Kansei Corporation created a stronger supplier with complementary product lines. Calsonic brought thermal and exhaust expertise while Kansei contributed cockpit and electronics capabilities. Nissan’s increased investment in 2005 deepened the partnership.
The defining transaction came in 2019 when parent company KKR acquired Magneti Marelli from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles for EUR 6.2 billion. This merger combined Calsonic Kansei’s thermal and interior systems with Magneti Marelli’s lighting, powertrain, and electronics divisions. The deal created the world’s seventh largest independent automotive supplier.
The combined MARELLI entity operates nearly 200 facilities and R&D centers worldwide. Joint ventures with partners like Highly in China for compressor production demonstrate the continued strategy of strategic partnerships over outright acquisitions.
Calsonic Kansei Market Cap
Calsonic Kansei traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange until KKR’s acquisition in 2017. The private equity firm paid approximately $4.5 billion for Nissan’s stake and remaining shares. MARELLI Holdings operates as a private company under KKR ownership.
*2017 reflects KKR acquisition price
Calsonic Kansei Competitors
Calsonic Kansei competes with global tier-one automotive suppliers across thermal systems, interiors, electronics, and exhaust components. The top five suppliers by revenue are Bosch, Denso, Magna, Hyundai Mobis, and ZF.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Products |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Bosch | Germany | Electronics, Powertrain, Safety Systems |
| Denso Corporation | Japan | Thermal, Powertrain, Electronics |
| Continental AG | Germany | Tires, Brake Systems, Electronics |
| ZF Friedrichshafen | Germany | Driveline, Chassis, Safety Systems |
| Magna International | Canada | Body, Chassis, Seating, Powertrain |
| Valeo | France | Thermal, Lighting, Electronics |
| Hyundai Mobis | South Korea | Chassis, Cockpit, Lamps |
| Lear Corporation | United States | Seating, Electrical Systems |
| Forvia (Faurecia-Hella) | France | Interiors, Lighting, Electronics |
| Aptiv | Ireland | Electronics, Safety, Connectivity |
FAQs
What is Calsonic Kansei called now?
Calsonic Kansei merged with Magneti Marelli in 2019 to form MARELLI. The combined company operates under the MARELLI brand as a global automotive parts supplier owned by KKR.
When was Calsonic Kansei founded?
The predecessor company Nihon Radiator Manufacturing was founded in 1938. Calsonic Kansei Corporation formed in 2000 through the merger of Calsonic Corporation and Kansei Corporation.
Who owns MARELLI now?
Private equity firm KKR owns MARELLI Holdings. KKR acquired Calsonic Kansei for $4.5 billion in 2017 and purchased Magneti Marelli for EUR 6.2 billion in 2019.
What products does Calsonic Kansei make?
Calsonic Kansei manufactures cockpit modules, air conditioning systems, heat exchangers, compressors, exhaust systems, instrument clusters, and electronic components for automobiles.
Where is Calsonic Kansei headquartered?
Calsonic Kansei is headquartered in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. The company moved its headquarters and R&D center to Saitama in 2008.
