Automotive Executives to Keynote AIAG AutoTech 2005 Events

Industry-wide Challenges Highlighted

DETROIT, Aug. 3 -- Senior automotive executives will present their insight on today's automotive industry challenges at the Industry Breakfasts and Luncheons at AIAG AutoTech 2005, which will run Monday, Aug. 29 - Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005, at the Cobo Center in Detroit.

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During the Industry Breakfasts on Tuesday and Wednesday, executives from DaimlerChrysler Corp., Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Inc. will share center stage to answer questions from the audience in two focused panel discussions. They include:

Tuesday, Aug. 30: Product Creation: Taking Time Out

* DaimlerChrysler, Roger Lundberg, director process (Chrysler Development System)

  *  Ford, Raj Nair, executive director, SUV and body on frame
  *  GM executive (TBA)
  *  Toyota, Randy Stephens, executive program director for the 2005 Avalon

  Wednesday, Aug. 31: Quality in the Modular World
  *  DaimlerChrysler, Steve Walukas, vice president corporate quality
  *  Ford, Sue Leone, Americas director, supplier technical assistance

* GM, Christine Sitek, director warranty, global process systems & training

* Toyota, Dave Mimms, assistant general manager of manufacturing quality assurance

The Industry Luncheons on Tuesday and Wednesday also will present critical industry issues. They feature:

  Tuesday, Aug. 30:  Driving Productivity Gains in the Post-Technology Era
  *  AMR Research, Tony Friscia, president and CEO

Wednesday, Aug. 31: Exploring Today's Automotive Industry Challenges and the Information Technology's Response

* Chrysler Group and Mercedes-Benz NAFTA, Karenann Terrell, vice president and chief information officer

These headliners join an impressive line-up of automotive and business executives already scheduled to speak at AIAG AutoTech 2005 during AIAG's first annual Industry Leadership Conference on Monday, Aug. 29. Speakers include:

  *  Tom W. LaSorda, chief operating officer, DaimlerChrysler
  *  Laurie Harbour-Felax, vice president, Harbour Consulting
  *  Dr. Won Suk Cho, president, Hyundai Kia America Technical Center, Inc.
  *  Jim Wiseman, vice president for corporate affairs, Toyota
  *  Wayne W.J. Xing, Ph.D., editor/publisher, China Business Update
  *  Robert D. Moroni, director of health care plans, GM
  *  Greg Smith, executive vice president, Ford and president, The Americas

Sponsorship opportunities are available for Monday's exciting speaker line-up at http://www.aiag.org/autotech .

In its 18th year, AIAG AutoTech has been called the most relevant conference in the automotive industry where suppliers at all tiers receive first-hand updates on industry guidelines, standards and initiatives for reducing cost and complexity. The theme of AIAG AutoTech 2005 is "Streamlining the Industry" and exhibitors on the 52,000 sq. ft. exhibit floor will include the industry's automotive manufacturers, leading suppliers and vendors. More than 100 exhibitors and approximately 3,500 industry professionals are expected to participate in AIAG AutoTech 2005. For additional information and to register, visit http://www.aiag.org/autotech .

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/ .

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