Industry gathers to place China as global automotive player
25 March 2008
Beijing, the 2008 Olympic City, will play host to the annual Automotive Logistics China conference, held this year at the exclusive Shangri-La Hotel. Automotive Logistics China is a high-level meeting place for the industry’s leading companies. Logistics leaders from across the Asian automotive sector will convene from 15 – 17 April to debate the major issues dominating the industry. The three day event will feature speaker presentations from some of the sector’s leading figures and a host of high-level networking opportunities.
Many feel that China should no longer be seen as an emerging economy and that now is the time for the region to take its place among the major players in the global automotive industry. The Chinese automotive market has seen rapid growth in the past few years, with vehicle sales rising more than 35 per cent from 2005 to 2006. The continued development of the Chinese automotive industry has become one of the main talking points among global carmakers and logistics providers. Automotive Logistics China provides a platform for the industry’s professionals to debate how best to maintain this growth with the assistance of controlled logistics management processes.
With China poised to become the world’s largest vehicle market within the next decade, the country is on track to be the leading production nation for car parts. However, the region’s broad geographical spread and basic infrastructure mean that the Chinese market has some of the highest logistics costs in the whole industry. This issue could severely limit its aim of becoming a global player in the automotive industry.
Automotive Logistics China 2008 will include presentations from those at the very centre of the industry. Speakers at this year’s event include: Wei Yong, division chief, National Development and Reform Commission; Yang Xiaoyu, vice general manager of logistics department, FAW Car; Felix Guo, head of logistics, sourcing centre, Fiat China; and Lei Xiaoyang, president assistant, Brilliance Auto.
Steve Hoffman, global director, automotive of Panalipina, Automotive Logistics China’s gold sponsor, commented: “China’s automotive industry has seen phenomenal growth in the past few years. Worldwide suppliers can expect further competition as China continues to lead the trend of globalisation and low cost sourcing.”
Cathrine Wagner Horn, global marketing communication manager of global sponsor, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, noted: “Automotive Logistics China has become a major event for decision makers in the Asian automotive supply chain. It is a unique platform bringing together automotive manufacturers, tier 1 suppliers, logistics service providers and transport operators.
“By providing a forum for representatives from across the automotive supply chain, Automotive Logistics China allows the industry’s players to reap the benefits of closer working relationships to deliver innovative solutions to a global marketplace.”
Automotive Logistics China 2008 is supported by some of the most respected names in the industry including gold sponsors Panalpina, one of the world’s leading providers of forwarding and logistics services as well as global sponsor Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics and silver sponsors APL Logistics, GEFCO and Mosolf.