AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY CONFERENCE 2009 BRINGS TOGETHER GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY FOR A WAY FORWARD

The AIDC's Automotive Industry Conference 2009 (AIC) presented a rare opportunity for all the major stakeholders to be in the same room debating the way forward for an industry in crisis - government, original equipment manufacturers, component suppliers and retailers.

Attended by over 300 delegates, the strong participation by both industry and government indicated a clear and decisive response to the recession, said Barlow Manilal, AIDC CEO. “In keeping with the AIDC's philosophy of a conference that is for industry, by industry, the main outcome of the conference is the importance of collaboration between industry, labour and key government institutions. It is the way forward for an automotive industry in crisis,” he says.

Under the theme Navigating the storm: A roadmap to Vision 2020, the first day of the conference took the form of a plenary session. There was plenty of opportunity for identifying issues as well as discussion and debate. Click here to read more about the discussions and outcomes.

PROUD SPONSORS OF AIC 2009

EXPERT SPEAKERS AND PRESENTATIONS

PHOTO GALLERY

TIRISANO PROGRAMME HELPS AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLIERS

The Department of Trade and Industry (dti), UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation) in partnership with AIDC (Automotive Industry Development Centre) have recognized the need for assistance in the automotive sector. South Africa's manufacturing sector of local component suppliers is under continuous pressure to improve their performance or lose business to competitors in other emerging economies.

Through this partnership, suppliers benefit from significant cost benefits, paying only 30% of the costs of the programme, with the rest being covered by the funding supplied.

Click here to read more about the project.