Automotive Industry Action Group Event Explores the RFID Wave in Automotive Industry

DETROIT, Sept. 26 -- Something that can be half the size of a grain of sand is transforming the automotive supply chain. These radio frequency identification (RFID) chips (as part of a complete RFID system) are used to quickly and reliably detect, identify and track different automotive parts. The Automotive Industry Action Group's (AIAG) second annual RFID Summit event will explore how the most-talked about technology in years is shaping the automotive industry on Nov. 3, 2005 at the Burton Manor in Livonia, Mich.

The full-day program will feature some of the early adopters of RFID who will share automotive implementations, case studies and end-user applications. Retail, defense and research organizations also will share their experiences. Presenting companies include General Motors Corp., Hewlett-Packard, Lear Corp., Michelin, TNT Logistics North America, WhereNet, AMR Research, EPCglobal Inc. and the U.S. Department of Defense. These organizations are now using the technology so that parts can automatically "talk" about when and where they were made, how much they cost and where they are at any given moment in the warehouse or on the production floor, and more. The information is collected and used for supply chain visibility, compliance with federal regulations such as the TREAD Act, finished goods tracking and manufacturing.

"AIAG has long been a leader in educating the automotive supply chain on evolving technologies," said J. Scot Sharland, AIAG executive director. "The AIAG RFID Summit is the premier RFID event for the supply chain to learn about real world deployments and applications from OEMs, suppliers and the retail and defense sectors. No other RFID event offers such a well-balanced spectrum of high quality and timely content."

An update on AIAG's returnable container tracking initiative also will be presented and solution providers will demonstrate RFID technologies in action on the exhibit floor.

Though interest in RFID technology has escalated during the last couple years with mandates from retail and defense industries, the automotive industry is the single largest user of RFID. In 2004 AIAG modified its RFID Tire and Wheel Identification Standard -- the first and only item-level RFID tracking and traceability in the world -- to allow retail information, such as the manufacturer, product and serial number, to be included in the RFID tag. Companies are now conducting pilots with this standard.

The event's program can be viewed at http://www.aiag.org/ . To register for the AIAG RFID Summit, please visit http://www.aiag.org/ or call AIAG customer service at (248) 358-3003. Exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities also are available.

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/ .