Date: September 9, 2009 

To: All Auto Manufacturers and Logistics Service Providers 

From: AIAG Logistics Damage Codes Work Group 

Subject: Global Standardization of Automotive Damage Codes (AIAG M-14 Revision) 

In an effort to simplify, standardize and ultimately drive cost out of the finished vehicle 
supply chain, the Automotive Industry Action Group along with the European Car Transport 
Group (ECG) launched an initiative to develop a global set of 5 digit damage codes. The 
codes have existed in the US since the 1970’s are used to identify damage area, damage type 
and severity of exceptions when possession of vehicles is transferred between parties. With 
input from manufacturers, railroads, trucking companies and other stakeholders, operating in 
the US and Europe, minor changes to these codes were made. These changes are meant to 
facilitate the vehicle inspection, claims handling and damage prevention processes on a 
global basis as well as update the codes so they better apply to today’s models and parts 
options. For the first time, inspections of vehicles around the world will routinely use the 
same coding standard. 

It was agreed that the AIAG will act as the central organization for future changes and 
distribution of details with regard to damage codes. Future changes must go through the 
AIAG. Change proposals and other requests from Europe can equally be sent to ECG by e-
mail (info@eurocartrans.org) or ordinary mail (ECG, Bld. A. Reyers 80, 1030 Brussels, 
Belgium). 

Note that each manufacturer is responsible to complete any internal system changes, and 
advise all associated carriers, logistics service providers, and dealers of these changes. 

It is important that each manufacturer distribute this information immediately. Carriers and 
dealers may be required to perform minor internal changes to adjust to the new codes. 

This letter is intended to solicit your support and ensure a smooth transition to the revised 
codes. These codes will allow for better damage description, faster claims adjudication and 
more effective damage prevention. We ask that you take the action necessary to make these 
changes by the January 1, 2010 deadline, as agreed to by all involved parties, so we can all 
enjoy the benefit of operating more efficiently. 

The damage code cards are available through AIAG www.aiag.org . 
Cost for cards: Pack of 50 laminated cards is $29 

Please contact AIAG Customer Service at (248) 358-3003 to order your damage code 
cards.