Mar 9 2005
With 70 per cent market growth in 2003 China has become the world's third largest automotive market. Continued foreign investment in the country has resulted in a dramatic change within the capital Shanghai's infrastructure, especially in the automotive industry, making it a dynamic hub for major business communication and transportation on an international scale. Meanwhile, Chinese car ownership is still quite limited meaning the market demonstrates considerable long-term potential. With demand expected to reach 6 million by 2010, China presents an exciting opportunity for automotive growth and development when compared with the stagnant markets in western Europe and North America.
However, with this growth have come many challenges. China experienced difficulty in 2004 with the introduction of new legislation, a lack of significant competition and modernisation, and with the continued complexity of the region's logistics environment. These factors have all contributed to a slowdown in market growth. In order to turn China's underlying economic potential into a reality, the complexity of its infrastructure and business processes need to be resolved.
Carmakers have recognised the challenge. They have been unlearning western preconceptions and overcoming the difficulties associated with the region, developing and implementing adaptation strategies to become more flexible in their approach to logistics.
Last year Autologistics Asia presented an open forum for topical debate with international speakers discussing the logistical challenges that face the Asia Pacific automotive region. Jacky Wang, MP&L director of Ford in China, expressed a need for OEMs to work closely with logistics companies to achieve "quality, cost and speed... a challenge for the whole industry". Meanwhile, Ken McCall, CEO, TNT, described the Chinese market as "unstoppable!"
In response to industry demand and the continued hunt for low-cost manufacturing and cheaper parts, Autologistics Asia is back in China on 18 and 19 May 2005 at the Shangri-la Hotel in Shanghai, once again presenting an unique networking opportunity.
Building on last year's success, high-ranking speakers and panellists, comprising senior automotive professionals, all operating in the Asia Pacific region, will contribute to this year's informative, exciting and inspiring programme. Focusing on Procurement & Supply, Customs, Trade, Efficiency and Compliance within the Asia Pacific, sessions will also include Supply Chains, Transportation Infrastructure and Logistics Service Providers in China, along with issues concerning Packaging.
Supported by Automotive Logistics magazine, Autologistics conferences underline the need for active discussion and facilitate this between all groups involved in the field. Autologistics Asia 2005 is set to bring you to the forefront of the Asian automotive network, tackling the latest issues facing logistics companies operating within this growing market. So whether you are a carmaker, parts supplier or supply chain solutions provider, this is the place to hear what others in the industry need and want from you.
Autologistics Asia 2005 is sponsored by Panalpina as Gold Sponsor, Linpac as Silver Sponsor and has the special support of the China Supply Chain Council (CSCC).
http://www.autologisticsasia.com/