Automotive Purchasing Leaders to Discuss Industry Issues at AIAG AutoTech 2007

Automotive Purchasing Leaders to Discuss Industry Issues at AIAG AutoTech 2007

DETROIT, July 16 /PRNewswire/ — In a rare joint appearance, top purchasing executives from five automakers will participate in a panel session on industry issues at the Automotive Industry Action Group’s (AIAG) AutoTech 2007 conference at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Mich., on Aug. 23, at 8:30 a.m.

Organized by AIAG, AutoTech focuses on challenges facing the industry and how they are being resolved collaboratively by AIAG members throughout the supply chain.

Participating in the panel discussion are:

— Simon Boag, executive vice president, procurement and supply, Chrysler
Group.;
— Tony (Thomas K.) Brown, senior vice president, Ford Motor Company.;
— Bo I. Andersson, group vice president, global purchasing and supply
chain, General Motors;
— Larry Jutte, senior vice president, Honda of America Manufacturing,
Inc.; and
— Chris Nielsen, vice president, purchasing, Toyota Motor Engineering &
Manufacturing North America

“As a global industry, our growing interdependence will have a significant impact on future success,” said J. Scot Sharland, AIAG executive director. “For the past 25 years, AIAG is the only place where automakers, suppliers, service providers, retailers, academia and government have worked together to harmonize industry processes and practices. These executives are shaping the future of the automotive supply base. All attendees will find this unique group dynamic both entertaining and insightful.”

In its 20th year, AIAG AutoTech 2007 focuses on collaboration among competing supply chain partners to create value and on the efforts of the more than 1,400 supply chain companies actively engaged in numerous AIAG initiatives. The theme of this year’s AutoTech is Co-opetition: Creating Supply Chain Value. The conference features more than 50 sessions in 11 subject areas, OEM and keynote sessions and product demonstrations and case studies. The exhibit floor includes leading automotive manufacturers and suppliers, as well as service and technology providers displaying tools to help improve industry processes in automatic identification, collaborative engineering, e-commerce, business to business, supply chain management and quality.

Founded in 1982, AIAG is a globally recognized organization where OEMs and suppliers unite to address and resolve issues affecting the worldwide automotive supply chain. AIAG’s goals are to reduce cost and complexity through collaboration; improve product quality, health, safety and the environment; and optimize speed to market throughout the supply chain. Headquartered in the metro Detroit area, its member companies include North American, European and Asia-Pacific OEMs and suppliers to the automotive industry