FIRST YEAR OF ECONOMIC CRISIS: WHAT'S NEXT?

As job losses in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry for the first half of 2009 reach a staggering 12,9% of the workforce, it is important to reflect on the first year of the economic crisis if the sector is to plan prudently for the future.

NAAMSA President Dave Powels is presenting this topic as the keynote address at the AIDC's Automotive Industry Conference 2009. He will so do against the backdrop of NAAMSA's recently released quarterly review of business conditions for the vehicle manufacturing industry. The review showed that industry capacity utilisation levels reflect cut-backs in production and are currently at historically low levels. Unsurprisingly, all performance indicators confirmed that the South African automotive industry is in the middle of a severe recession.

Powels will also participate in a panel discussion along with other industry heavyweights titled Vision 2020 - is it a fantasy or reality?

The Automotive Industry Conference is being held in Port Elizabeth on 7 and 8 October as part of the South African Automotive Week. The first day of the conference takes the form of a plenary session with plenty of opportunity for discussion and debate. The second day sees delegates focus on specific areas of interest: Supply Chain Development, Supplier Development and Skills Development & Training.

If you work in the automotive industry and related sectors, you cannot afford to miss this opportunity. Registrations for the conference are still open, register online today!