AIAG, HKPC and Fujian ETC Collaborate on Supplier Program in China

AIAG, HKPC and Fujian ETC Collaborate on Supplier Program in China

October 30, 2007

Chinese auto suppliers are gaining the support they need to
meet worldwide standards, while U.S. automakers and
suppliers find new fertile ground for partnering and
expanding their own global sourcing options.

    FUZHOU, China, Oct. 30 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- 

    The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), Hong Kong
Productivity Council (HKPC) and Economic and Trade
Commission of Fujian Province (Fujian ETC) have signed a
memorandum of understanding today in Fujian to help Chinese
suppliers there become global suppliers to the automotive
industry. 

    (Logo: 
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040719/DEM007LOGO )

    "This new program is simply another important step
in AIAG's ongoing commitment to work with the Chinese
government to accelerate the development of the automotive
supply base in China," said J. Scot Sharland,
executive director of AIAG. "A significant number of
AIAG member companies - both OEMs and suppliers alike - are
looking for partners that can supply the components they
need within China as well as help them leverage the cost
advantages there to supply other markets around the world. 
By collaborating with Fujian ETC and HKPC, AIAG can help
Fujian auto parts suppliers to develop strategies for
participating in one of the fastest growing markets in the
world in terms of pure organic growth."
 
    Dr. Stephen Lee, Director of HKPC, said, "HKPC is
pleased to collaborate with AIAG to assist the auto parts
sector in Fujian to enhance their capabilities. Leveraging
our expertise and experience in the industry, this
strategic partnership will facilitate industry players to
enter the global supply chain."

    Mr. Zhang Jin Zhu, Vice Director of Fujian ETC said,
"We are pleased to collaborate with these professional
organizations - AIAG and HKPC - to enhance the capability of
Fujian auto parts companies by helping them meet global
standards and become global suppliers."

    Under the agreement, all three organizations will work
together to enhance the competitiveness of automotive
suppliers in Fujian by improving their capabilities in
development, production and management through gap
analysis, training and other tools for improvement. 

    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 member companies include North American,
European and Asia-Pacific OEMs and suppliers to the
automotive industry.  Visit the organization's newly
redesigned Web site at http://www.aiag.org.

    About HKPC

    HKPC's mission is to promote productivity excellence
through the provision of integrated support across the
value chain of Hong Kong firms, in order to achieve a more
effective utilization of resources, enhance the value-added
content of products and services, and increase international
competitiveness. 

    In 2006, the Hong Kong Automotive Parts and Accessory
Systems R&D Centre was set up to undertake market-led
R&D and commercialization programs. The areas of focus
include electronics, safety systems, new materials and
processes, as well as hybrid, electric drives and
environment; engaging in platform technology, collaborative
and contract research projects.

    For more information, please visit HKPC's website at
http://www.hkpc.org.

    About Fujian ETC

    Fujian Economic & Trade Commission is founded by
the department in provincial government that is responsible
for industry and domestic trade as well as adjusting
national economy operation. The main functions of Fujian
ETC include study, propose, organize and implement the new
industrial development strategy; promote export for
business enterprise; lead enterprises to international
communication, cooperation and international operation; and
response for managing the investment project in business
scope etc. 


    For more information, please contact:

     Leslie Santos 
     AIAG
     Phone: [phone]

     Vincent W T Chung 
     HKPC
     Phone: [phone]

     Chen Chuan Fang 
     FJETC
     Phone: [phone]