which produces an outstanding product offering freedom, utility and passion to its global customers. However, recent events within our industry clearly remind us that every part of an organization, from the supplier through to the final production facility, plays an absolutely crucial role in assuring that only components of the highest possible quality and robustness are produced. For many suppliers, the ultimate nightmare is an issue where a component gets outside the supplier's facility and ultimately that component is deemed to have a defect that affects the overall operation of the vehicle.

We implement exhaustive test procedures, undertake the highest level of mistake proofing, implement end-of-line testers and undertake all sorts of initiatives to assure that only parts of the highest quality are delivered to the final destination. But we also recognize that manufacturing operations are never absolutely perfect. The simple design glitch in a manufactured component that almost brought down Apollo 13 reminds us that even our best efforts can end in failure.

We compliment Toyota on their response to the specific issues they have faced. In reality, all vehicle companies have faced "recall" issues at one point or another due to the complexities of today's automobiles, but one thing is certain, today's vehicles are safer, more fuel efficient and more reliable than they have ever been in history across all companies.

In a speech given at the Automotive News World Congress in January 2010, Yoshi Inaba, the president of Toyota North America, suggested that the first 100 years of the automotive industry were all about product development and market positioning. However he saw the second 100 years as being about competitiveness and harmonization. Indeed, harmonization, in light of environmental requirements, tougher North American CAFE  standards and global safety expectations, reminds us that the automobile must coexist within our environment and within society as a whole. Clearly truly laudable goals that we all strive to achieve.

But these must be accomplished within the framework of competitiveness. With so many global OEMs offering world-class quality and capability, overall competitiveness will be a key differentiating factor in order to achieve success through growing market volumes. APMA recognizes this need for competitiveness and we will strive, through essential programs, to assist our membership in every way possible to assure that they continue to produce the highest quality parts in the most competitive manner possible.

Ultimately, the key to competitiveness will be innovation. Innovation in product, in process and in new technologies will be the ultimate definition of a successful supplier in the next 10 years. These may not be breakthrough, game changing technologies but rather simple, continuous innovations that support cost effective, lightweight and superior design solutions that will drive our industry forward. We will continue to work with governments, academia and suppliers to highlight the need for innovation and to pursue solutions that will help us all to be competitive as we move forward.

The Canada -- US Dinner held March 15, featuring Sergio Marchionne as the keynote speaker was indeed a huge success with well over 500 people in attendance. As always, Sergio was enlightening, entertaining and forthright. His willingness to handle tough questions and provide forthright and insightful responses was truly apprecaited by all in attendance. He is a master turn around artist and we look forward to a strong future for Chrysler. Our special thanks to the Canadian Consulate General in Detroit including Robert Noble and his outstanding staff for their support of this event. As well we would like to thank our partner OESA for their excellent work and support for this event. Margaret, you were truly impressive!

The Chrysler Innovation event on the following day featured 19 Canadian suppliers and provided an outstanding opportunity to demonstrate some truly unique technologies to Chrysler. Dan Knott, Head of purchasing at Chrysler, spent a signficant amount of time visiting every exhibitor and viewing their innovations. Chrysler generally provided a significant amount of resource to this event, including allowing us to view their upcoming 2011 models so it was truly an excellent day.

I hope you are looking forward to and making plans for our Annual Conference on June 9 and 10th. This year we are again partnering with AUTO21 and we have an outstanding slate of speakers to address these issues of competitiveness and innovation. Please join us, it is definitely an event that you do not want to miss. An interim brochure outlining the conference is included with this mailing.

Perfect parts, innovation, competitiveness -- it does not get any easier. But then again suppliers never did shy away from a challenge!