Program of Global Automotige Forum

　　Thursday 16 September 2010

　　08.00-09.00  Participant registration

　　09.00-09.15  Welcome and opening remarks

　　9.15-10.45   A business/economist roundtable

  　A new global landscape for the world economy and the automotive industry: The trends that will shape the future

　　How is the global economy being re-shaped in the aftermath of the crisis? How is China’s emergence as the world’s number one automotive market transforming the automotive industry worldwide?

　　10.45-11.15　Networking break

　　11.15-12.30　Panel discussion

　　Confronting the challenge of an industry wide credit crunch

　　The automotive industry is today under financial pressure, facing a growing need for capital to finance expansion strategies, R&D, and modernization. At the same time, many OEM and suppliers in most regions of the world are confronting a credit crunch. What do capital markets expect from automotive players? What kind of automotive investment strategies are needed?

　　11.15-12.30  Panel discussion

    Smart cars for smart cities

　　What applications and new technologies are needed in vehicles and cities to ensure better traffic management in urban centers? How will urban planners and car manufacturers collaborate in the future to create applications that will help ease traffic flows in cities, reduce congestion and curb pollution? What breakthroughs are on the horizon to encourage smarter vehicles and the development of smarter cities?

　　11.15-12.30  Panel discussion

　　The battle of the brands

　　The OEM’s brand image is the asset of the future. In an over-stimulated automotive world with increasing similarities between individual vehicles, the creation or retention of unique brand images is fundamental to drive the auto industry to success. What strategies to leverage and expand already established players such as GM, Volkswagen, PSA or Toyota? What room for newly developed auto markets such as India or China?

　　12.45-14.15  Plenary luncheon  Featuring a keynote speaker

　　14.30-16.00　Plenary session

　　Going greener and greener

　　The defining trend is the continuous move towards environmentally friendly cars. All key markets are more and more focused on promoting ever increasing fuel efficiency, lower and lower emission levels and moving towards the next generation of hybrid vehicles and electric cars. What kind of business and research strategies do companies need to implement to leverage the opportunities of the global clean-tech market?

　　16.00-16.30  Networking break

　　16.30-17.45  Debate

　　What new Business Models for the automotive industry?

　　The recent economic turmoil has brought a series of new challenges to the industry which will require major changes and greater flexibility in the existing business models. What capabilities are needed to thrive and prosper?

　　16.30-17.45  Roundtable discussion

　　Is the small car the future of the industry?

　　Ever since fuel prices soared to record highs, the market of small cars has been on a rise. The increasing disposable of middle class population is the key driver of such a market in developing nations and India is leading the way. This fast-growing segment is also gaining some momentum in China as well as in Europe and in the north American market.

　　17.45-18-00　Break

　　18:00-19.15

    The future of China’s automotive market: Will the sky be the limit?

　　What trends will shape the evolution of China’s automotive market over the next 5 to 10 years? How does China see the role of foreign automobile manufacturers in the market?

　　19.15-19.45　Cocktail Reception

　　19.45-21.30  Gala dinner　With keynote speaker

    Friday 17 September 2010

　　9.00-10.30   Panel discussion

　　Getting customers excited about their cars

　　New breakthroughs in technology have radically increased the number of applications in vehicles designed to increase energy efficiency, improve safety, gather geographical information and provide audio-visual services. How can the automotive industry foster innovative capabilities in established R&D processes? How will new designs and the increased integration of IT affect consumer behavior? How will the combination of ever increasing injection of new technologies in the car, and continuous design innovation manage to keep customers excited about cars?

　　9.00-10.30  Roundtable discussion

　　Moving beyond China’s borders

　　What international market strategies for Chinese companies?

　　10.30-11.00  Networking break

　　11.00-12.15　Roundtable discussion

　　The road to further consolidation: M&As and alliances

　　11.00-12.15  Roundtable discussion

　　Capturing the strategic high ground in the race for the electric vehicle

　　12.45-14.15  Luncheon with keynote speech

　　14.30-15.45  Plenary roundtable

　　Auto makers and suppliers: Rethinking the relationship

　　Although automakers continue to focus on shifting their production facilities to new regions, developing the supplier networks remains one of the greatest challenges they face in the auto industry. How can the relationship between each original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with its suppliers be leveraged to maximize its chances for success?

　　14.30-15.45  Panel discussion

　　The Emerging Markets as the future of the auto industry

　　15.45-16.15  Networking break

　　16.15-17.30  Brainstorming session

　　The automotive industry, 10 years from now

　　17.30-17.45  Closing remarks  Key outcomes

　　18.00-19.30  Farewell Reception