National Press Release

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) will offer its members and non-members discounted rates on class and certification registration fees and product purchases. The cost-savings will allow management the opportunity to train their re-tasked employees to more effectively manage the expanded responsibilities and assignments encountered from company downsizing initiatives.

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AIAG members will receive a 25 percent discount on all products, as well as registration and class certification fees, while non-members will receive a 15 percent reduction in fees. The program titled "Accelerating Organizational Recovery, AIAG: Now More Than Ever," is available now through April 30th. It is designed to aid companies of all sizes during these challenging times and assists the remaining employees to successfully maintain peak organizational efficiency without sacrificing quality or increasing rework, error and waste. To obtain the discount, participants must call (248) 358-3003 and mention the recovery discount when placing an order or completing a registration.

"Where we typically struggle is in the development and execution of a transition plan that allows for a soft landing of the additional responsibilities being assigned to remaining employees," said J. Scot Sharland, executive director of AIAG. "We exacerbate our near-term cost problems by compromising efficiency via increases in rework, error and waste generated by people who 'don't know what they don't know.' AIAG understands the needs of its members and non-members and can provide the necessary skills for employees to cost effectively 'hit the ground running' as the economy recovers," he added.

Hundreds of courses and certification programs are available at the discounted rate covering such topics as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO/TS 16949 quality standards, principals and practices of the Quality Core Tools (APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, PPAP), REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals), Material Management, Problem Solving and Customs Trade Regulations. In addition, AIAG will provide reduced fees on numerous guidelines, publications and standards from Materials Management & Logistics to Health Care, and Engineering to Finance.

For a complete list of classes, certification programs and products offered through AIAG, please visit www.aiag.org .

About AIAG

The AIAG is a globally recognized organization founded in 1982 by a group of visionary executives from Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors. The membership has grown to include prominent automotive OEM and suppliers such as Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Caterpillar Tractor, John Deere Corporation, International Truck Corporation, Daimler, PACCAR and others. Their purpose: To provide members an open forum to cooperate in developing and promoting solutions that enhances the prosperity of the automotive industry.

AIAG members play a unique role in the development of new technologies and the standards that govern their usage. Under the auspices of AIAG, volunteers from all layers of the supply chain work together to resolve issues critical to the automotive supply chain. For more information, please visit the organization's Web site at www.aiag.org .

SOURCE AIAG