Catena-X data alliance expands its presence in North America, with AIAG serving as the regional hub for the project.

The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) has been named the official North American hub for Catena-X, a groundbreaking digital infrastructure designed for standardized, secure, and open data collaboration across the automotive value chain. This development allows companies in the US, Canada, and Mexico to participate in and influence the global Catena-X ecosystem.

Launched in Germany in 2021, Catena-X was backed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and the German Association of the Automotive Industry. It aims to tackle industry challenges, reduce costs, and drive sustainable practices across the value chain. The partnership between AIAG and Catena-X has moved from a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to a formal agreement, marking a significant step forward in the collaboration.

One advanced pilot in North America is being conducted by Ford Motor Company and FlexAutomotive, focusing on product carbon footprint tracking using verifiable supplier data exchanged via Catena-X. In the pilot, the emissions estimate dropped from approximately 7kg of CO2 to just 1kg, once primary data from a sub-tier supplier was shared using the Catena-X architecture.

Dr Bing Xu, senior director of the Catena-X North America Hub at the AIAG, emphasized the need for a system like Catena-X to get rid of silos and ensure secure data transactions. Existing systems, according to Dr Xu, cannot work for today's situation.

The Catena-X use case library includes auditable product carbon footprint tracking, end-to-end traceability of parts and materials for recalls and compliance, real-time collaborative quality management, and a "battery passport" for electric vehicle batteries. Catena-X enables real-time, peer-to-peer data collaboration across entire supply networks, regardless of platform or IT provider.

Piotrowski, a spokesperson, indicated that more is expected from the partnership, with more involvement from OEMs, suppliers, and solution providers. The partnership between AIAG and Catena-X now comprises over 190 member companies, including OEMs, Tier-N suppliers, and IT providers.

The announcement was marked by a presentation and a ceremonial handshake between AIAG and Catena-X leadership. Oliver Ganser, chairman of the Catena-X board, emphasized the significance of the regional expansion. Jacobson, Catena-X board member and IBM executive, stated that AIAG is the perfect match for North America.

Catena-X's expansion aims to revolutionize the way data is shared and collaborated upon in the automotive industry, paving the way for a more sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient future.