Powering Performance

More than 400 automotive quality professionals attended the 2017 AIAG Quality Summit on September 19-20, 2017, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan, leaving very few seats in the general addresses and standing-room only in many of the most popular breakout sessions. This level of participation — supported by over 40 exhibitors and sponsors — made this year’s Quality Summit one of the most engaging and valuable quality events in recent years.

At AIAG’s 2017 Quality Summit, September 19-20, 2017, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan, several automakers provided updates on the IATF 16949 certification process to an audience of over 400 automotive quality processionals and answered the industry’s most common questions.

As the reality of human trafficking and modern slavery continues to make headlines around the world, automotive manufacturers and their supply chains are operating with heightened awareness. At AIAG’s 2017 Corporate Responsibility Summit, Michael R. Littenberg, partner in the securities and public companies practice group at Ropes & Gray, provided attendees with an overview of the challenges as well as updates on how governments and corporations are doing their part to combat the problem.

The new chair of AIAG’s Quality Steering Committee, Jim Pastor, has some specific ideas of where he’d like to see the committee focus its efforts in 2017. After eight years with Johnson Controls in positions ranging from global director of quality — GM Business Unit to group vice president — automotive quality, Pastor recently transitioned to the role as vice president — quality for the new Johnson Controls spinoff, Adient. With global responsibility for all of Adient’s manufacturing sites, including complete seat and components, Pastor is in a perfect position to lead AIAG’s quality initiatives on behalf of the industry.

As one of AIAG’s recently appointed board members, Debra Poppas, vice president, global quality for PACCAR, plans to help AIAG better serve the commercial vehicle industry and work to improve overall supplier processes. More than 20 executives from the automotive and transportation OEM and supplier community currently serve on the AIAG board, representing a cross-section of its member companies.

As one of AIAG’s recently appointed board members, Dr. Jeffrey Richards, global director production control, logistics, and supplier quality for Delphi, says he will work on developing standards to improve the quality and performance of supply chain processes.

Moving the needle from theory to practice was at the heart of AIAG’s 2016 Corporate Responsibility Summit, held April 27-28, 2016, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan. Speakers addressed a variety of CR topics, providing the latest information to help participants build a business case for sustainability.

Moving the needle from theory to practice was at the heart of AIAG’s 2016 Corporate Responsibility Summit, held April 27-28, 2016, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan. Speakers addressed a variety of CR topics, providing the latest information to help participants build a business case for sustainability.

AIAG’s FVL Oversight Committee says addressing logistics capacity challenges in Mexico is Job One for the industry right now. The new FVL Oversight Committee is the automotive industry’s sounding board on all things related to logistics, and is comprised of 11 selected individuals from among OEMs, rail, ocean, trucking, service providers, and advisors who represent the voice of the industry and guide AIAG to industry pain points.