AIAG to Collaborate with AIM of China on Automatic Identification Technologies

AIAG to Collaborate with AIM of China on Automatic Identification Technologies

April 27, 2007

    SHANGHAI, China, April 27 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- In a
continuing effort to promote communication and
collaboration between the North American and Chinese
automotive industries, the Automotive Industry Action Group
(AIAG) and the Automatic Identification Manufacturer
Association of China (AIM of China) have agreed to work
together on automatic identification (auto ID)
technologies, according to a memorandum of understanding
signed today in Beijing.

    Under the agreement, both organizations will make a
united effort to meet their respective members' needs for
industry standards and guidelines, common business
practices and supply chain technology in auto ID.  The
agreement will initially focus on the exchange of
information on auto ID initiatives currently underway by
the two organizations.  

    "Entering into this agreement with AIM China, a
leading technical association on auto ID, comes at a time
when Chinese automotive OEMs and suppliers are eager to
improve competitiveness and export capabilities," said
J. Scot Sharland, AIAG executive director. 
"Additionally, companies are seeking more unified and
global standardization in auto ID -- specifically in RFID
-- to ensure systems interoperability. We believe this
agreement lays the foundation for enhanced development and
collective value for both the North American and Chinese
automotive industries."

    "We are pleased to share our efforts and work with
AIAG," said Ms Xie Ying AIM China.  "Our
relationship with an organization known as a leader in
streamlining automotive business practices in North America
represents an important step in developing a robust China
automotive supply chain.  We look forward to supporting our
members leverage industry standards and best practices for
the benefit of their organizations and their
customers."

    About AIAG

    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 more than 1,500 member companies include
North American, European and Asia-Pacific OEMs and
suppliers to the automotive industry.  Additional
information is available on the Internet at
http://www.aiag.org .

    About AIM of China

    The Automatic Identification Manufacturer Association
of China (AIM China) is a state-level association, being
responsible for State General Administration of People's
Republic of China for Quality Supervision and Inspection
and Quarantine, and Supervised by the Ministry of Civil
Administration of China. With the status of a self-governed
legal entity, AIM China is a member of International
Automatic Identification Manufacturer Association (AIM
Global) Directorate.  AIM China focuses on various auto ID
technologies such as bar code; smart card ID; optical
character, voice, visual and biological feature
recognition; and RFID. AIM China steers the development of
industry through researching and drafting relevant industry
standards, national standards; promoting domestic and
international academic and technological exchanges; and
extending the application of automatic identification to
broad area. Additional information is available on the
Internet at http://www.aimchina.org.cn 


    For more information, please contact:

     Leslie Santos-Cotham
     Automotive Industry Action Group
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]