August 26, 2011 Kaneko Chairman and President Regular Meeting

【MC】

Thank you for waiting. The 70th regular press conference is about to begin.

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

Thank you very much for your busy place.

We are preparing 6 topics today.

First of all, it is the current state of business in July.

Toll revenue in July was 41,555 million yen, up 8.5% from the same month the year before.

By breakdown, high-speed trains increased by 37,806 million yen, a 6.0% increase, and owners increased by 3,750 million yen, a 43.4% increase.

On the other hand, the average number of passengers in July was 1.84 million, a decrease of 6.7% from the same month of the previous year.

The breakdown is that the high-speed average is 1.46 million units, a decrease of 1.7%, and the one-owner is 380,000 units, a decrease of 21.9%.

The number of vehicles passing was 6.7% lower than last year, and the toll revenue was 8.5% higher than last year.

These reasons are due to the free social experiment being frozen on June 19th, and the holiday special discount of 1,000 yen for rural areas ending.

The ETC discount amount for this month was 27.6 billion yen, a 9.1% decrease from the same period last year of 30.4 billion yen. The discount rate is about 40.0%.

Obon season We have already announced the traffic conditions for 7 days from August 10 (Wednesday) to August 16 (Tuesday) on August 17, but the traffic volume is NEXCO CENTRAL average compared to last year. 102%, and the number of congestions over 10 km was 159% compared to last year. Last year, the maximum discount of 1,000 yen was applied on holidays, so the traffic volume such as returning home on Saturdays and Sundays before and after the Obon period was dispersed.

On the other hand, this year, the traffic volume was concentrated on the 7 days from August 10 (Wednesday) to August 16 (Tuesday), and the number of accidents increased, so the number of traffic jams during this period increased. By the way, compared to last year, including the weekends before and after, the number of traffic jams was almost the same as last year.

Next, regarding the status of construction, I will explain in detail the outlook for the completion of Shin-Tomei Expressway Tomei later.

Next is the usage status of ETC.

From August 12th to August 18th, the average daily number of passengers increased by 8.7% compared to July 15th to July 21st, but the daily average utilization rate increased from 87.8% to 86.0%. It has decreased by 1.8%.

By weekday and weekends and holidays, the average usage rate on weekdays was 88.4% to 86.2%, 2.2% down, and the average usage rate on weekends and holidays was 87.1% to 85.6%, down 1.5%.

The cumulative number of vehicle-mounted devices installed at the end of July increased by 0.8% compared to the end of June, increasing by 280,000 units to approximately 35,200,000 units.

Next is the situation of the service area.

Sales in the service area in July were ¥ 13,196 million, a year-on-year increase of 100.1%. By road, Higashi-Meihan Expressway was doing well with 147.5%.

Higashi-Meihan Expressway, “EXPASA Gozasho” has been well received by customers since the beginning of summer vacation.

Breaking down sales by department, the “Food and Beverage Sales Division” decreased 97.0% year-on-year to ¥ 298 million.

A further breakdown of the “Food and Beverage Sales Division” is that the “Food and Beverage Division” was 98.5% of the previous year, a decrease of 54 million yen, and the “Food Sales Division” was a year-on-year of 96.2%, which was 245 million yen It is decreasing.

Next, in the “service sector (rest in, bath)”, it was 95.0% of the previous year, down 2 million yen.

Lastly, in the “GS division”, the refueling volume was 102.2% over the previous year, exceeding the previous year, and the unit price difference was also plus 5 yen, so sales were 110.5% over the previous year and increased by 338 million yen. It has become.

The above is the current state of business in July.

 

Next is the overseas business.

I have traveled to Vietnam from August 19th to 23rd, and I would like to report the situation at that time.

The purpose of this business trip is two-fold. The first point is to participate in the 5th Vietnam Expressway Seminar held in Da Nang on 20th and 21st. The second point is to carry out top sales to the newly appointed Minister of Transport and Transportation, including Vietnamese officials.

This is the Expressway seminar, which was signed by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of Transport of Vietnam in 2009 on the road sector, and is held every year based on this agreement. This time it was held in Vietnam. From the Japanese side, officials such as Sato Technical Director of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, JICA and other private companies and private companies including our company participated, and from Vietnam, officials such as Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Transport Deputy Minister Duc participated. We have exchanged opinions on professional and technical support, including the possibility of Japanese companies entering the Vietnamese road business.

On the other hand, from the perspective of top sales, I was able to meet Mr. Tan, and I also met with senior officials such as Deputy Minister Duk and Deputy Minister Dong.

Through this meeting with Vietnamese officials, I felt the enthusiasm for the construction of the Expressway on the Vietnamese side and strong expectations for our support, and it was very meaningful for our future entry into the Vietnam road business. I feel that we have built a better relationship than ever before.

 

The next topic is to inform you about the new bridge, which is a laboratory and research facility for bridge inspection technology, which will be installed for the purpose of training next-generation bridge inspection engineers, passing on the technology, and research.

We, together with Nagoya University and the Companies in our Group Nakanihon Highway Engineering Nagoya, have a bridge inspection targeting not only students of Nagoya University and engineers of NEXCO CENTRAL Group but also engineers of government offices and private companies on the campus of Nagoya University. We have set up a new research facility called "New Bridge".

This new bridge is used on Expressway, national roads and prefectural roads all over Japan, and is a facility that reused the bridge that was removed due to the renewal. In Aichi prefecture, we acquired and reused the oldest pedestrian bridge in Japan, which was removed in April of last year in Kiyosu City due to the widening construction of the prefectural road. This is the first facility in Japan and the world where education and training can be conducted using a full-scale bridge that uses such a removed bridge.

An overview of New Bridge is in your handbook.

As a part of our priority area of CSR activities, "strengthening regional cooperation and contributing to local society and economy," we encourage students, government agencies, and private companies in the Chubu region to effectively utilize the New Bridge. So, I hope to contribute to the research of inspection technology and to help in the research of longer life.

As you can see in the materials you have, we will hold the unveiling ceremony at Nagoya University from 13:00 on September 13th (Tuesday), so please take a look.

 

The next topic is about the launch of the second popular "Pecogliano Deli".

Following the first healthy "Pecogliano Deli" released on July 1, we will start selling the second series from September 1 at 9 service areas and parking areas. I think you have already had a tasting before the interview.

This time around, we have 10 types with the keyword "volume", which is made by seasoning plenty of meat with a clear sauce.

The lineup is complete with 6 types of the first "healthy type" and 10 types of the second "volume type" so that "Pecogliano Deli" can be enjoyed by everyone, including families and couples. .

We will continue to develop the series so that many customers will continue to support "Pecogliano Deli", so please look forward to it.

 

The next topic is about mileage campaigns.

We have already announced from the Nagoya Regional Head Office on August 12, but we will inform you again.

In order to promote tourism in the southern part of Mie Prefecture and to promote the use of Ise Road on weekdays, we have been tie-up with the Mie Prefectural Tourism Federation to carry out the “weekday limited Ise Shima / Minami Mie Mileage Campaign” from August 22nd. .

From our official WEB site, as well as offer a coupon, such as tourist facilities, and available at the ETC car Mie Prefecture southern part of the specified Inter weekday, if you apply on the Internet, mileage points 1,000 points in the lottery, Expressway is a campaign that your traveling 8,000 yen worth of hits.

Especially as a power saving measure for this summer, I think that there are people who have business holidays from Saturday to Sunday on weekdays, but I would like to support such customers' trips as much as possible, so please use it by all means. Please give me.

 

This is the last topic today.

About the opening prospect of the new Mikkabi Expressway between Gotemba JCT and Shin-Tomei Expressway JCT (162km).

Please see the press release materials distributed to you.

At the time of the last regular interview, regarding the prospect of opening, "It is not possible to report because we are considering and implementing additional countermeasure construction at the landslide site for Mikkabi Shizuoka, and we are currently conducting a detailed examination." I explained.

After that, we conducted a detailed study of additional countermeasure work at three locations of the five landslides where displacement (movement) did not converge and new deformations were confirmed, and again asked outside experts for their opinions. As a result, at all locations, "currently, the stability of the slopes can be secured for the time being by the countermeasure works that have been carried out so far and the additional countermeasure works that will be carried out in the future. It is assumed that there is little danger of. ”

Based on this, we decided to proceed with construction and coordination with related organizations aiming for opening in early summer 2012.

Additional countermeasure work may take 2 to 4 months, so after confirming that the customer can use it safely and securely on the official opening date, taking into consideration the progress of such construction and the effect of the countermeasure work. , I want to decide.

Also, as we can see on the back of the handed out materials, we have decided the road name after opening and the facility name such as interchange, so we will inform you as well.

In addition, we are planning various related events in Shizuoka prefecture and related municipalities toward the opening of Shin-Tomei Expressway. We would like to cooperate with these events and will continue to work diligently to meet the expectations of the local people, and we ask for your continued support and cooperation.

　　　

These are the topics we have prepared today.

 

【MC】

Now, I would like to answer your questions.

 

[Reporter]

You said that the opening date of Shin-Tomei Expressway Tomei is early summer, but what is your prospect?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

Originally, I would like to tell you the exact opening date, but it will take about 2 to 4 months to work on the additional landslide measures at three locations. Therefore, we would like to officially announce the opening date after confirming the safety aspect. I say early summer before the rainy season after the end of spring. Spring will end in March and the rainy season will begin in June, so I would like to ask you to refrain from opening at that time.

 

[Reporter]　

Shin-Tomei Expressway of, does it remain Aichi Prefecture of the section to the ahead of schedule?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

We are also working hard to advance this section as well. However, it is not yet possible to talk about how much you can move ahead. Although it is a very difficult situation, we will work as hard as possible within 2014.

 

[Reporter]　

Shin-Tomei Expressway one of the roles of it is that the double network of the aorta, in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake, have you ever early the pitch of the season ahead of schedule and plans?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

To open this time Shin-Tomei Expressway With regard to, of Japan Expressway company has Deki by making full use of the new technology that has Expressway we think. Until now, there have been many large earthquakes in Japan, but the major earthquake before the Great East Japan Earthquake is the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Although the earthquake resistance standards have been improved so far, they are now based on the standards for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, we reviewed the design standards for Expressway and completed the seismic retrofitting work, so even after the Great East Japan Earthquake, most Expressway were not so damaged. Experts have analyzed the Great East Japan Earthquake in various fields. As a result, if the design standards are reviewed, we think it is necessary for us to reinforce them accordingly.

 

[Reporter]

It is about to open Shin-Tomei Expressway, but I think it will be between April and June as the president says, but will it be in time for GW?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

We would love to make it in time for the GW, but it will take 2 to 4 months to see the effect of the landslide countermeasure work. I think we can talk about the opening date by the end of the year.

 

[Reporter]

One of the reasons for moving the opening date of Shin-Tomei Expressway to about one year ahead of schedule is to secure substitutability in case of an emergency such as a disaster. Is the Great East Japan Earthquake factoring in considerably strongly?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

From a long time ago, especially from local people, there was a strong request to "advance the opening of traffic." This is a request from before the Great East Japan Earthquake. Considering the role of the Expressway, I wanted to respond to requests. In addition, I think that many people understand the need for substitutability and redundancy following the Great East Japan Earthquake. It can be said that the result of combining both of these things.

 

[Reporter]

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, there was a long-term suspension of traffic on the Tomei Expwy due to a tsunami warning, but will this kind of anxiety be resolved this time?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

Shin-Tomei Expwy runs almost parallel to the current Tomei Expwy, but it runs about 10 km on the mountain side. Therefore, I don't think there will be any damage from the tsunami on the Shin-Tomei Expwy. In the Yui area of the current Tomei Expwy, we recently closed due to the high waves of a typhoon. At this point, we are currently considering measures for what to do when customers evacuate.

 

[Reporter]

Is it ok to say that the speed limit is 100km / h as usual?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

The design speed is 120km / h. However, it is not the company that determines the speed limit, but the Shizuoka Prefecture Public Safety Commission. Therefore, I think that will give you the answer.

 

[Reporter]

The speed limit is decided by the Shizuoka Public Safety Commission, but I think it is necessary to revise the law.

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

We are talking about a design speed of 120km / h. Compared to the current Tomei Expwy, the upper limit of the slope is 2%, R (curve radius of curvature) is also gentle, and it is almost straight as a straight line. I think that the Public Safety Commission will make the final decision based on this kind of story.

 

[Reporter]

Is it okay to call the Shimizu and Mikkabi connecting routes in the opening section this time the Shin-Tomei Expwy?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

exactly. The opening of 162 km this time is an extension including the connecting road.

 

[Reporter]

Please tell us how you perceive the significance of the Shin-Tomei Expwy as the president.

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

I think there are 3 points. The first point is that the establishment of the Shin-Tomei Expwy will lead to a drastic improvement in service. The current Tomei Expwy the section to be opened this time has an average daily traffic volume of 75,000 vehicles. Designed traffic is 48,000 vehicles per day, which is an increase of 56%. The increase in traffic compared to when it was designed is the cause of congestion. In other words, it is happening on the current Tomei Expwy that the punctuality cannot be protected. I believe that eliminating this will lead to the provision of good services to our customers.

I think the second point is to secure reliability with a double network. It can be considered to be a substitute for disasters and emergencies such as the Great East Japan Earthquake, to function as an evacuation route and emergency transportation route, and in some cases to be an evacuation site for local residents. Especially, since it is a Japanese aorta that connects Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka, I think we should not stop it. I think such a thing will ensure reliability.

The third point is that the flow of people and goods will flow smoothly and quickly due to the strengthening of cooperation among the three major metropolitan areas. Tokyo (Ebina-minami JCT) -Nagoya (Toyota JCT) will be shortened from 270km to 258km by 12km. The big advantage is that you can move faster as much as it is shortened and the flow of goods becomes smoother.

 

[Reporter]

This afternoon, Suga will officially announce his departure and a new Prime Minister will be elected after the Democratic Party's representative election. Please tell us what you think about the Kan administration and what you expect from the new prime minister and the Democratic government in the future.

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

I am not in a position to comment on Japanese politics as a whole, so I would like to refrain from commenting on the administration.

At present, the Expressway idealistic examination expert committee is being organized by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The other day, after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the government made the first recommendation regarding what Expressway should be, and now we are in the second phase. Not only NEXCO CENTRAL, but also Expressway Expressway Considering how the company should be I am saying. For example, "Expressway charges should be a little simpler and easier for customers to understand." "About the operation of Expressway companies that became private companies , It is necessary to demonstrate independence "and so on. We would like you to incorporate what we have said through the Expressway Ideally Consideration Expert Committee.

 

[Moderator]

This concludes the regular press conference.