YOSHIRO HAYASHI

President, Primearth EV Energy Co.

Chosen because: Under Hayashi, 62, Primearth's sales history is a gauge of the growth of automotive electrification. It produced 1 million battery packs from 1996 to 2006. It hit the 2 million mark at the end of 2008. In June 2010, it hit 3 million. Primearth, which originally was known as Panasonic EV Energy Co., is a joint venture between Panasonic and Toyota. It is the world's largest producer of nickel-metal hydride battery cells for hybrid vehicles.

Quote: "It is sure that eco-friendly cars, such as hybrids and electromobiles, will become a centerpiece of the future automotive society. The demand for storage batteries for vehicles should increase more and more."