The Automotive Industry Action Group has selected Intertek Group to provide workplace standards training for automotive suppliers in China.

"Intertek is privileged to collaborate with the AIAG in this industry wide project to educate suppliers and advance sustainable development across China's automotive supply chain," said Paul Yao, executive vice president of Intertek, who will lead the project initiative with AIAG.

The training, designed to promote responsible working conditions, already began in July 2007.

During the past several months, AIAG and Intertek have engaged with suppliers across China's automotive industry to educate them on corporate social responsibility and local labor laws, as well as how to integrate them into their daily business practices.

"This partnership symbolizes an important step forward," said Dr. Yilong Chen, AIAG general director of Asia-Pacific affairs and chief representative in China. "By linking up leading industry members with suppliers and stakeholders, we will be able to pioneer sustainable solutions for common goals regarding working conditions."

Launched in October 2005, AIAG's global working conditions initiative is a collaborative industry-wide project focused on promoting decent working conditions for the millions of workers around the world involved in the production of automobiles. AIAG and Intertek are also coordinating initial training sessions in Mexico to begin in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Founded in 1982, AIAG is a globally recognized organization where OEMs and suppliers unite to address and resolve issues affecting the worldwide automotive supply chain. AIAG says its goals are to reduce cost and complexity through collaboration; improve product quality, health, safety and the environment; and optimize speed to market throughout the supply chain.