[1] The organization was founded by representatives of the three largest North American automotive manufacturers: Ford, General Motors and Chrysler.
Membership has grown to include Japanese companies such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan, heavy truck and earth moving manufacturers such as Caterpillar Inc. and Navistar International, and many of their Tier One and sub-tier suppliers and service providers.
AIAG's corporate governance relies on over 650 volunteers from various automotive companies who lend their expertise to working groups, subcommittees, and leadership roles.
The automotive industry is dependent on a vast supply chain of companies that provide parts and components, including major subsystems, to manufacturers.
[11] This database, known as the 'Supply Safe-Supplier Security Assessment, provides a central repository for information which is shared as needed throughout the supply chain and to satisfy US Customs and Border Patrol compliance requirements.
The resulting effort is designed to allow shippers to use U.S. Customs Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes which enable faster processing of shipments through border patrol and fewer inspections.
As of 2014, there are also bar code standards in use developed by General Motors (GM1724),[14] the Odette "Global Transport Label",[15] and the German Verband der Automobilindustrie VDA-4902.
Developed by AIAG, this self-survey is designed to validate that the supplier has robust material planning and delivery processes in place to support overall business objectives.
It was launched in 1995 for the auto industry with a stated goal of providing consistent, reliable speed and guaranteed security for data transmissions between the automakers and their suppliers.
[29] The Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, passed in July 2010, mandates that public companies report on their direct and indirect sources for "conflict minerals" - gold, tin, tantalum, and tungsten - in their SEC filings beginning in 2014.
[30] In response, the AIAG formed a working group [31] to allow member companies to share resources in identifying conflict minerals throughout the supply chain.
Suppliers can use the iPoint Conflict Minerals Platform [32][33] to track their compliance and provide mandated quarterly reporting in support of the legislation.
These minerals are found in many automotive products, including fuel tanks, seat cushions, batteries, brake pads, radiators, sealants, glass and electronics.
As an industry group, the AIAG has undertaken policies to ensure that it and its members do not violate antitrust laws while engaged in AIAG-facilitated activities.