The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), a not-for-profit automotive trade association, is strengthening its first Asian initiative to support the supply chain in China with the opening of a representative office in Shanghai and the appointment of respected scientist and industry pioneer Yilong Chen to lead the initiative.
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He is AIAG’s general director of Asia-Pacific affairs and chief representative in China.
AIAG members, including DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors and major automotive suppliers, are growing their businesses rapidly in China. At the same time, Chinese automotive OEMs and suppliers are eager to improve their quality and export capability. By establishing an AIAG representative office in China, the Detroit-based organization can support its members’ needs in China and bridge the gap in the Chinese supply chain via common standards and tools to improve quality, increase efficiency and competitiveness.
Founded in 1982 by automaker executives, AIAG claims a history of being the catalyst for the global automotive industry’s efforts to establish a seamless, efficient and responsible supply chain.
“To sustain the forecasted growth of the automotive market in China, it is imperative that we deploy best practices and standards throughout the Chinese portion of the supply chain,” said executive director Scot Sharland.
“AIAG is prepared to work with Chinese suppliers and accelerate the development of world-class business processes to meet the emerging needs of the global automotive industry in areas such as systems interoperability, quality and warranty.
“Chen’s technical expertise, extensive experience and proven track record of successful relations with the Chinese automotive industry, government and academia will allow him to make a positive impact immediately. “
During the past decade, Chen has liaised with the Chinese government, automotive industry and academia for General Motors and is one of the pioneers that developed the automaker’s business in China.
As chief scientist and director of technology development and partnership of GM’s China operations, he established and managed GM/Delphi-Tsinghua Technology Institute in Beijing and GM-Shanghai Jiaotong Powertrain Technology Institute in Shanghai. He initiated and managed technology collaborations with Chinese partners for GM. He also launched and managed the GM China Science & Technology award program with the Chinese National Science Foundation.
