A Memorandum of Understanding formalising cooperation between the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) and the Japan Auto Parts Industries Association (JAPIA) enters into force this month. Its main objective is to host the regional efforts of the “Supplier Alliance (SUAL)”.

“We are delighted to move into a new relationship between the suppliers associations from North America, Europe and Japan. This will foster cooperation and coordination among us and will provide the needed governance for the group” said today Mr Jean Marc Gales, CLEPA CEO at the Materials Regulation event in Stuttgart where the latest status of the International Material Data System, End of Life Vehicles Directive, Conflict Minerals and REACH jointly with the next international activities of CLEPA, AIAG and JAPIA are presented.

The Supplier Alliance is the forum for automotive suppliers associations from the automotive producing regions of the world where to carry out cooperative activities on product-related environmental issues, such as substance restrictions, law revision and material data reporting issues and related common objectives.

The purpose of the Supplier Alliance is to address global supply chain environmental reporting issues in collaboration with the OEM community where necessary with special emphasis given to sub-tier suppliers communications, alignment and compliance.

“As an industry, it is imperative that we have a singularity of purpose and speak with a common voice regarding environmental compliance. We look very much forward to working in concert with our colleagues from CLEPA, and JAPIA to realize this goal”, said Mr J. Scot Sharland, Executive Director, AIAG.

The Supplier Alliance will seek to participate in the creation, technical development, comment and review of environmental reporting requirements defined by technical standards organizations on a national and regional basis.

"We look forward to continuing this important partnership as we collaborate to enhance the competitiveness of the global automotive industry. We expect significant savings by agreeing with the OEMs harmonised and efficient reporting requirements worldwide” concluded Mr Gales.

Note to Editors

CLEPA is the European Association of Automotive Suppliers.

104 of the world's most prominent suppliers for car parts, systems and modules and 25 National trade associations and European sector associations are members of CLEPA, representing more than 3 thousand companies, employing more than 5 million people and covering all products and services within the automotive supply chain. Based in Brussels, CLEPA is recognized as the natural discussion partner by the European Institutions, United Nations and fellow associations (ACEA, JAMA, MEMA, etc).

For more information, please contact: Mrs. Amalia Di Stefano |CLEPA Deputy CEO |a.distefano@clepa.be | Tel.: +32 2 743 91 35 and consult www.clepa.eu

Nathalie Gminder

Policy Officer European Affairs and Communication

CLEPA aisbl - The European Association of Automotive Suppliers
Boulevard Brand Whitlock 87
B - 1200  BRUSSELS
Phone: +32 2 740 28 43
Fax: +32 2 732 00 55
Web: www.clepa.be

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