March 23, 2012 Kaneko Chairman and President Regular Meeting

【MC】　

We have been waiting for you. We have just begun the 77th regular press conference.

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

Today I will provide you with about 5 topics, and then receive any questions.

Fee income in February was ¥ 35,762 million, up 11.1% year-on-year. The breakdown is that highways increased 32,254 million yen, or 8.7%, and general toll roads increased 3,239 million yen, 42.7%.

On the other hand, the number of traffic in February averaged 17.24,000 units per day, down 7.7% from the same month last year. Breaking down, the average daily expressway was 1.381,000 units, a 1.8% decrease, and that of general toll roads was 344,000 units, a 25.7% decrease.

The reason for the increase in toll revenue compared to the same month of the previous year and the decrease in traffic volume is due to the freezing of the free social experiment and the termination of the special discount on holidays in rural areas of 1,000 yen.

This month's ETC discount was 24.7 billion yen, 3.5% less than the previous year's 25.6 billion yen. The discount rate is about 40.8%.

Next is the construction situation.

Ken-O Road 2km route from the Metropolitan Expressway Takaosan IC to the Hachioji JCT will open at 15:00 on the day after tomorrow.

This section, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is a business that has been working in cooperation with, Tomei Expwy from ChuoExpwy connecting Ken-O Road has become a part of. We will continue to promote the development for the early opening for the remaining period so, thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

In addition, the 162 km between Shin-Tomei Expressway-Tomei Gotemba JCT and Mikkabi JCT, which will open at 15:00 on the 14th of next month, is currently undergoing final finishing toward opening.

We have handed out the materials, but the opening ceremony will be held at 10 o'clock at Shinfuji Interchange. It should be noted, Shin-Tomei Expressway in SA · PA, such as NEOPASA (Neopasa) to open at the same time as the opening, make the sneak preview before open.

 

Next is the usage status of ETC.

From March 9 to March 15, the latest average number of vehicles used increased by 4.9% compared to the previous month from February 10 to February 16, but the daily average utilization rate increased from 89.3% to 89.1. % And 0.2%. Looking at weekdays and weekends and holidays, the average weekday usage rate decreased by 0.3% from 89.5% to 89.2%, and the average usage rate on weekends and holidays decreased from 89.0% to 88.7% by 0.3%.

The cumulative number of OBEs installed at the end of February was 0.93% higher than at the end of January, an increase of 320,000 units, or approximately 37.16 million units.

 

Sales in the service area in February were 9,441 million yen, 98.1% of the previous year. Looking at roads in such a situation, Tomei performed well at 103.5%.

Tomei believes that the EXPASA Ebina grand opening on December 15, last year, has been popular with many customers.

By segmenting sales, the “Food & Beverage Division” decreased 92.1% from the previous year, down ¥ 291 million. Further breakdown of the “Food & Beverage Division” is as follows: “Food & Beverage Division” decreased by 174 million yen, 93.9% from the previous year, and “Merchandise Division” rose by 117.7% to 97.7% It has decreased by 10,000 yen.

Next, in the service section (rest-in, bath), sales decreased 8 million yen, or 3 million yen, year on year.

Lastly, in the “Gas station section”, refueling volume was up 100.4% year-on-year from the previous year, and the unit price difference was up 6 yen. I am.

 

The next topic is an introduction to the two commemorative campaigns.

The first is about the “Hakusan Interchange Commemorative Highway Campaign” announced today by Kanazawa Regional Head Office.

Hakuriku Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway is scheduled to open on April 21, but the following campaign will be implemented in tie-up with a tourist facility in Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture.

Passengers who have used the Hakusan Interchange as an exit from the opening date to July 20 and applied from our official website will receive 200 points of mileage points equivalent to a maximum of 1600 yen in value and local specialty products etc. Will be presented by lot. In addition, from today, we will distribute pamphlets with special treatment tickets that can be used at tourist facilities in Hakusan City and service areas in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Second, we will announce the "Ken-O Road Campaign for Commemorating the Opening of the Metropolitan Expressway Takao Interchange" announced by the Hachioji Regional Head Office the other day. Ken-O Road Takao interchange is is scheduled to be opened to traffic in March 25 days of the day after tomorrow, is used as an outlet of the Takao interchange until May 31 days from the opening date, customers who your submissions from our official WEB site In addition, 200 points of mileage points equivalent to a maximum of 1600 yen will be presented by lottery.

All campaigns require an application from our official website. For details, please see the pamphlet distributed to you.

 

The next topic is about "iHighway Central Japan".

From April 14th, when Shin-Tomei Expressway opens, the service of the mobile phone road traffic information site "iHighway Central Japan" was launched at Large, and a site compatible with PCs and smartphones was opened. You. PC and smartphone sites are more visual, bigger and easier to understand than traditional mobile phone sites.

Both sites provide real-time road traffic information, Expressway toll search and congestion prediction information, SA / PA search and sales information, and more.

The service will start on April 14th, the day of the opening of Shin-Tomei Expressway, and two weeks later, Golden Week will be scheduled. Please see "iHighway Central Japan" from your PC or smartphone as well as your mobile phone, and use it for safe, secure and comfortable driving.

 

The next topic is an introduction to our business PR facilities.

To make customers feel closer to the Expressway, we will open a permanent “Communication Plaza” in Kawasaki City and Fuji City on April 16th.

`` Communication Plaza Kawasaki '' in Kawasaki is a facility that introduces our business, such as construction and management of Expressway and Service Area Management using a large-screen video theater and a diorama while reviewing the history of Japanese Expressway. . In addition, "Communication Plaza Fuji" in Fuji City is a facility that introduces new technologies and new construction methods such as bridges and tunnels on the Shin-Tomei Expwy.

Regarding "Communication Plaza Kawasaki", a preview will be held for the press prior to opening. Details are described in the materials distributed to you.

 

The next topic is about agreements on disasters.

NEXCO CENTRAL has been working to establish a disaster prevention system with related government agencies and disaster relief cooperating companies in order to secure basic traffic in the event of a disaster.

On February 27, the Central Regional Development Bureau "under the direct control of the national highway and the Expressway we've just signed an agreement on disaster mutual cooperation," but, yesterday, new, Ground Self-Defense Force Central army and NEXCO CENTRAL · NEXCO WEST is Signed an agreement on mutual cooperation in the event of a disaster. This is the first time that the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and an Expressway company have signed an agreement. We hope that the conclusion of this agreement with the Ground Self-Defense Force will greatly contribute to the rapid rescue, restoration and reconstruction of the affected areas, especially in the event of a disaster. In the future, through disaster drills and the like, we want to make it more effective.

In addition, in the event of a large-scale disaster, etc., we have concluded an agreement on emergency restoration work with five bridge-related associations to establish an early restoration system for bridge structures on Expressway and secure emergency transportation routes. You. The closing ceremony will be held on March 27.

 

Next, we will introduce plastic bottled beverages to be released in commemoration of the opening of Shin-Tomei Expressway.

In commemoration of the opening of Shin-Tomei Expressway on April 14, the green tea PET bottled drink "Cha" will be released from the day of opening in 13 limited service areas and parking areas of Shin-Tomei Expressway. "Tea" was developed with an emphasis on high quality "100% tea leaves from Shizuoka Prefecture". The tea leaves used are 100% of the locally selected Kobayashien from Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture, a local prefecture that has received many Prime Minister's Awards and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Awards at the National Tea Fair etc. Using tea leaves, blending a jasmine-based fragrance with deeply rounded tea leaves, the mellow taste with high aroma and sweetness. We are handing out the actual items to be sold at hand, so please enjoy the famous tea from Shizuoka Prefecture.

 

Next is the introduction of commemoration products for the opening of the new Shin-Tomei Expressway.

As an anniversary commemorative product of Shin-Tomei Expressway, we have launched an original plastic model of the promotional car "Arancia" on which our promotion team "Bambina Arancia" is riding.

Although we introduce to your handouts back, "Bambina-Aranchia" is Shin-Tomei Expressway a and NEOPASA like to know the customers, promotional team was formed in order for you to feel close, to "Aranchia" We are promoting the promotion of the opening of Shin-Tomei Expressway SA and PA, along the Expressway, downtown in the city center, etc.

The original plastic model commercialized this time is a limited edition of the Shin-Tomei Expressway version that was born from the ideas of the employees involved in this project. Since March, we have been selling it at our online shopping and concierge counters in service areas in Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures. By all means, I would like you to take this opportunity to feel the pleasure of making and seeing and Shin-Tomei Expressway.

 

Finally, we will introduce our environmentally friendly initiatives.

As we explained in the context of construction, on March 25, Ken-O Road Hachioji JCT ~ Takaosan IC between 2km will be opened.

This section is a region rich in the natural environment that passes through the Meiji-no-Mori Takao Quasi-National Park. Here are three major initiatives.

The first is the adoption of local seedlings. Ken-O Road 1998, prior to the construction of Shin-Tomei Expressway Tomei, the Hokuoji JCT had experimentally planted trees with local seedlings in 1998. As a result, the plant grew smoothly, and local seedlings were fully adopted by Shin-Tomei Expressway. In this section, greening is carried out using approximately 16,000 local seedlings such as oaks in consideration of local biodiversity.

The second is the use of LED lighting fixtures. LED lighting has twice the lifespan of conventional fluorescent lamps, leading to reduced CO2 emissions and reduced waste. This section is used for road lighting and tunnel lighting.

Third is the use of low position lighting. Prevents light leakage outside the road by using low-level lighting that illuminates the road surface from a low position on the bridge railroad, instead of the conventional pole lighting that illuminates the road surface from a high position to take into account surrounding flora and fauna. doing.

We have handed out a small version of the panel to be exhibited at the opening ceremony, so please take a look. We will continue to develop roads that consider the natural environment.

These are the topics we have prepared today.

 

【MC】

Now, I would like to receive questions from reporters.

 

[Reporter]

It has been less than a month until Shin-Tomei Expressway opens, but please tell us again about the president's comment on the opening.

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

25 years after the concept and 18 years and 5 months after the actual construction started, many people have been involved in the construction for a long time, and I think that the opening of the road has been celebrated with various cooperation from people along the railway.

This opening is in Shizuoka Prefecture, but we received very high expectations from the locals, and we originally promised to open in 2012, but with the understanding and cooperation of the locals and other related parties , Could be opened about a year ahead of schedule. I am very happy both as a company and personally.

I think there are many benefits to developing a large-scale infrastructure like this one. In particular, after the Great East Japan Earthquake of last year, I think that the role and expectations of Expressway have become even higher. With that in mind, I am pleased to have been able to open about a year ahead of schedule. There is a little time until the opening, but I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation. We will continue to operate and manage the environment in consideration of the environment.

 

[Reporter]

You mentioned that it took a very long time, but what were the difficulties, such as the Hida tunnel on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, and the difficulties and issues in construction?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

The only thing I need to mention is the construction period and construction cost. We devised various ways to suppress these. We utilized a new technology called TBM in tunnels, and improved and improved construction methods for bridges in various terrains. As a result, we received various awards such as the Japan Society of Civil Engineers. The section has many structures such as tunnels and bridges, so we worked to reduce construction costs and shorten the construction period.

 

[Reporter]

When you first took office, you talked about the recruitment of women, but please tell us about the progress and realization, including hiring next year.

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

The recruitment situation for next year is on track. In terms of numbers, one third of new employees are female employees. We expect excellent employees to join us.

In particular, we are aiming for a new business, so we are developing new products and products in the service area NEOPASA and EXPASA, but we are thinking of adopting women's ideas in such places. The same is true for overseas. So far, we're well on our KPI metrics.

 

[Reporter]

What are your thoughts on the traffic jams on the Shin-Tomei Expressway? We have heard about measures such as three lanes from Gotemba to Tokyo and from Mikkabi to Aichi, but please tell us if you have any new measures or initiatives.

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

In the section that will be opened this time, I think that the traffic volume of Shin-Tomei Expressway Tomei and present Tomei will be divided into two. I think that 10-15% of newly induced traffic will occur, but even if it is added, it is enough for the design traffic, so I think that traffic will not occur in Shin-Tomei Expressway because there is a lot of traffic.

Prior to the opening of Shin-Tomei Expressway, from OtowaGamagoori IC to Toyota JCT, three lanes were used last October. This is a tentative measure and will be restored when the new Shin-Tomei Expressway Toyota-higashi JCT is opened. We believe that traffic congestion will not occur so much if the three-lane road merges from Shin-Tomei Expressway Tomei to the current Tomei, and the one that has been split into two has become one.

On the other hand, in the direction of Tokyo, I think there will be some traffic jams here. Where the inflow is from Ebina JCT, we are trying to add an additional lane to smooth the flow and prevent it from becoming a cause of traffic congestion. Regarding the Yamato Tunnel beyond that, we are thinking of eliminating traffic congestion, but we think that a fundamental solution is needed. I think there will be traffic jams until the Ken-O Ken-O Road is completed, but if it is completed, the number of vehicles flowing into Tokyo will decrease, and if the outer ring road is completed, there will be even less traffic in Tokyo. Until then, I think there will be some traffic from Gotemba to Tokyo.

 

[Reporter]

I think you are considering disposing of the former employee's case in-house, but please tell us about when, and what progress has been made.

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

The investigation is still ongoing by the Internal Investigation Committee. The trial is scheduled to be finalized on March 27, so I have heard that the internal investigation committee is also included in the final summary. Since this is only an incident, we are conducting a thorough investigation of the facts. The important thing is to formulate factual measures and prevent recurrence. We have already implemented some measures to prevent recurrence, but we would like to thoroughly investigate the root cause and thoroughly prevent recurrence.

 

[Reporter]

Is it OK to announce the recurrence prevention measures as soon as a trial decision is issued?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

It is not good to delay from the judgment, but I think the important thing is to thoroughly investigate the facts and create measures to prevent the recurrence. As I said, we are currently considering measures to prevent recurrence, so we will announce it as soon as it is finalized.

 

[Reporter]

I think that the company is considering measures to prevent a reoccurrence of a former employee's case, but please let us know if anything has not been discussed so far and is being implemented.

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

So far I have talked about three recurrence prevention measures. "Addition of a hotline for lawyers", "Re-enforcement of basic rules for land negotiations and in-house rules", for example, always go to negotiations with two people, and for property, management will accompany them together. "Survey of employees who have exceeded a certain period of time" means, for example, identifying employees who have been in the land division for more than two years and transferring them as necessary. We have already implemented these three, but nothing else.

 

[Reporter]

Would you like to be aware that there will be an interview when the survey results, the resulting employee dispositions, and the measures to prevent recurrence, and all three are completed?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko ]

I think so.

 

[Reporter]

Will the conference end within the year?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

Today is 23 days, so there are only a few more days in the year. I hope, but in some cases it may be April.

 

[Reporter]

Expressway Overseas expansion to Vietnam last year, Japan Expressway International Co. Ltd. was established last year. How is your job separation and development?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

Regarding the project in Vietnam, we talked with the other party about the By-pass of the so-called Line 1 at Fang Van-Cau See in the Hanoi area, and about 30 km of the Expressway the starting point of the Line 1 like Nihonbashi in Japan. is. There is no doubt that we are moving forward. The Vietnamese government came to Japan the other day, and I met and talked directly. There are many things to come to the end, so it's progressing slowly rather than in a straight line. I think that I can talk about the contents before that.

 

[Reporter]

Will it be led by Japan Expressway International Co. Ltd. or will it be done as NEXCO CENTRAL?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

This has been done by NEXCO CENTRAL in the past. NEXCO CENTRAL will continue to take the lead. We will consult with Japan Expressway International Co. Ltd. for the future.

 

[Reporter]

The other day, SA, PA, and toll booths were held at the same time, and disaster prevention drills were held at the same time.

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

There are some points to reflect on, such as the lack of adequate stretchers to carry customers affected by the actual training. However, in cooperation with related organizations such as the Self-Defense Forces, bridge-related organizations, and Chubu Chisho, which I mentioned earlier, we would like to share information on large earthquakes and tsunamis, and actively work on what we can do. I am thinking.

 

[Reporter]

Is Communication Plaza free of charge? Will the facility be like JR Tokai's Linear Railway Museum? .

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

Admission is free. The days and times when you can enter are as shown in the materials at hand. It is not a big facility like JR Tokai.

 

[Reporter]

Petrol prices are soaring. Are there any concerns or concerns about the number of Expressway traffic?

 

[Chairman and President Kaneko]

I understand that gasoline prices are rising sharply. We don't think it's a good trend. I don't think it affects traffic at the moment. It is a matter of concern about what will happen in the future.

 

[Moderator]

It seems that the question has been interrupted, so this will end the regular press conference.