Denso’s North American CEO Kenichiro Ito has been spurring the giant Japanese supplier through some radical new thinking over the past year. Denso is serious about transforming itself from a conservative supplier of vehicle air conditioners, electronics and engine parts into a master of mobility.

Just how serious became clear this year when Ito announced a U.S. partnership with aerospace supplier Honeywell to develop and commercialize electric flying taxis. Ito believes the small, futuristic craft could be transporting passengers over cities and neighborhoods in the coming decade.

Ito also has been deepening Denso’s involvement in mobility partnerships, with the U.S. serving as ground zero for many of the startups that Denso finds interesting.