| National
Activity
SINGAPORE
THE 5TH ROUNDTABLE ON THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
IN ASIA,
16, 17 NOVEMBER, 2000
 |
The
5th Roundtable on the Automotive Industry in Asia
had the following theme, this year: Gearing up
for E-business, Integration and Growth. ACMA was
among the three endorsees of the conference. The
other two being the European Automobile Manufacturers
Association (ACEA) and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers’
Association (JAMA).This year 11 ACMA member companies
participated in the conference including the ACMA
President Mr. L Ganesh and Vice-President Mr.
K Kejriwal.Mr. Ganesh made a presentation on "
Latest Regulatory |
Initiatives and the Threat of Used Vehicle Imports in
India".
Some key points that
emerged from the two-day event:
- The vehicle market situation in Asia has improved.
Total vehicle sales have recovered rapidly during
1999 and 2000 and should reach more than 12 million
again this year. Japan, on the other hand, has stagnated.
- In ASEAN the recovery is over. It will take many
years for sales to peak again.
- India is showing some stability and the long term
looks better.
- Concentrate on Japan, China, India, Thailand and
Malaysia.
- China and India are seen as very lucrative markets
for investors.
- Most automotive companies in Asia are still familiarising
themselves with E-commerce but do have many apprehensions.
High costs of engaging in E-commerce and the fear
of technological obsolescence are still keeping them
in abeyance. But the message is very clear: E-commerce
is not an option. It is a necessity! The developed
countries have found that the auto industry and the
Internet fit well together.
- Trade issues still continue to be a heated subject
in the region and despite pressures from WTO, regulations
would continue to protect many markets in Asia.
Bottom line: Asia is an "intellectual powerhouse"
and will be a big auto market one-day, not soon but
gradually. |
