AIAG's Auto-Tech 2004 Speaker List Continues to Impress.

DETROIT -- The list of distinguished speakers at the 17th annual Auto-Tech conference and exposition continues to grow with newly added dignitaries Dr. Paul M. Horn, senior vice president and director of research of IBM Corp., and David Hemmings, president of Pacific Rim Alliance Ltd. LLC.

Auto-Tech is the premier automotive industry trade conference organized by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and held at Cobo Conference Center Aug. 31 - Sept. 2.

Horn, who oversees the world's largest and most prolific research organization dedicated to information technology, is the featured speaker at the Industry Breakfast on Thursday, Sept. 2, at 8:00 a.m. He will discuss how innovation through information technology can address 21st century challenges in the automobile industry.

Hemmings, whose company concentrates on providing business development services to mid-west companies wanting to move into the China market, will address guests at the International Dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 1. He will talk about development of the global automotive supply chain in China and how Chinese companies really operate, the cultural differences, how to protect intellectual property and real life business experiences there. Held in conjunction with Auto-Tech, the dinner will be held at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center at 7:00 p.m. This is the first international dinner of its kind in Detroit focusing on the supply chain issues in China.

"David's company moved from Taipei, Taiwan to Grand Rapids, Mich. in 2001 and continues to have offices in Shanghai, China; Sydney, Australia; and Taipei," said Andrew J. Cummins, executive director and CEO of AIAG. "AIAG is on a mission to work with automakers in China and their suppliers to strengthen the global supply chain and David's experience and expertise is of value to the industry in the United States and Europe."

For more information about Auto-Tech 2004, visit www.aiag.org/autotech. Registrations for Auto-Tech 2004 and the International Dinner can be made online or by contacting AIAG customer service at [phone].

In its 17th year, Auto-Tech brings together global automotive OEMs and suppliers to share technology standards and processes intended to reduce cost and complexity in business and manufacturing processes. The theme of Auto-Tech 2004 is "Driving Performance Together," and exhibitors on the 52,000 sq. ft. exhibit floor will include leading automotive manufacturers, as well as technology and automotive suppliers. More than 150 exhibitors and about 4,000 auto industry executives are expected to participate in Auto-Tech 2004.

Founded in 1982, AIAG is headquartered in the metro Detroit area. Its more than 1,600 member companies include North American, European and Asia-Pacific OEMs and suppliers to the automotive industry with combined annual sales of more than $850 billion. A not-for-profit association, AIAG's primary goals are to reduce cost and complexity within the automotive supply chain and to improve speed-to-market, product quality, employee health-and-safety and the environment. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.aiag.org.