Kevin Kirby Appointed Chief Information Officer at AIAG

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., May 18, 2004 -- Kevin Kirby has been named chief information officer (CIO) for the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), one of the global automotive industry's largest trade organizations.

Kirby will oversee the association's information technology systems in addition to systems for the association's new project-management process and business research activities. He will report to AIAG Executive Director Andrew J. Cummins.

"We are pleased to have someone with such strong experience in information technology at AIAG," said Cummins. "Kevin will play an integral role in the fulfillment of AIAG's strategic objectives and the pursuit of new opportunities."

Kirby has more than 20 years of global experience providing technology solutions and support for the automotive manufacturing industry. He previously was director of information technology for Intier Automotive Interiors. Prior to Intier, Kirby held senior management positions with Collins & Aikman, including senior director of e-business, as well as vice president for information technology at Collins & Aikman Europe in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Kirby holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration with a major in management information systems from Central Michigan University. He resides in Milford, Mich.

Founded in 1982, AIAG is headquartered in Southfield, Mich. Its more than 1,600 member companies include North American, European and Asia-Pacific OEMs and suppliers to the automotive industry with combined annual sales of more than $850 billion. A not-for-profit association, AIAG's primary goals are to reduce cost and complexity within the automotive supply chain and to improve speed-to-market, product quality, employee health-and-safety and the environment. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.aiag.org .

NOTE TO EDITORS: For a high-resolution electronic image of Kevin Kirby, contact AutoCom Associates, +1-248-647-8621.