HKPC Organizes First Conference under its

At the 2006 International Conference for Asia Pacific Automotive Industry today (16 May 2006), Dr Stephen Lee, Director (Product Productivity) of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) urged the automotive parts industry to adopt advanced technologies and efficient management methods to tap the fast growing Mainland market and the new opportunities arising from CEPA.

Organized by HKPC, the Digi-International Exhibitions Company Limited and China Auto Parts & Accessories Corporation, the Conference is part of the "Productivity Conference Series" under the "HKPC - Into the 40th Year" Programme. Experts from across the world, including the United States, Germany, France, the UK, Hong Kong and the Mainland shared their knowledge and views on management methods, the latest technologies as well as research and development (R&D) at today's Conference under the theme of "Modern Auto Manufacturing Methods".

Addressing an audience of more than 100 participants, Dr Lee said, "Today's sophisticated consumers have rising expectations of vehicles, both in appearance and function, which can only be met with the help of advanced technology. In particular, growing environmental concerns across the world are driving the need for cleaner and greener automotive technologies. Under such circumstances, we should efficiently manage the development and application of automotive manufacturing technology in order to reap maximum benefits from it."

Introducing HKPC's works in supporting technological R&D in this sector, Dr Lee said, "HKPC has been appointed by the HKSAR Government to host the Hong Kong R&D Centre for Automotive Parts and Accessory Systems, which was opened last month. The Centre acts as Hong Kong's leading focal point in providing support to the automotive parts industry in R&D as well as commercialization. It strives to integrate the expertise of local, Mainland and overseas professionals to create competitive edges for the local automotive parts industry. The Centre will enhance the capabilities of the local industry in market intelligence, product design, corporate management as well as quality system management."

"For liaison between the Centre and industry, HKPC has set up a special unit, the Automotive Industry Development Division, which also provides general support for the sector, including consultancy and business development services," Dr Lee added.

Speakers at the Conference also included Mr Yoshihide Nii, Toyota Tsusyo Co., Ltd; Dr Tony Lee, Interim CEO, Hong Kong R&D Centre for Automotive Parts and Accessory Systems; Mr David Male, Lotus Engineering; Dr Huan Yen, Principal Engineer, Delphi Electronics and Safety Systems; Mr Woong Chung, AP Engineering Polymers Technical Manager, DuPont China Limited; Mr Kevin Wong, Sales Executive, HIS Hong Kong Ltd; Miss Terry Onica, Vertical Marketing Strategy Director, QAD Inc; Mr Thilo Koeppe, Managing Director, Votsch Industrietechnik; Ms Amy Tsang, Director of Marketing, Asia-Enthone; Mr Charles Cheung, Director of Autos, Conglomerates & Consumer-China, Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited; Mr antoine Lopez, General Manger, Coventya China; Mr Stephen Au, Managing Director, Mtech Engineering Co., Ltd; and Mr Chin Chun Chen, Executive Director, ETA Engineering Technology Associate, Inc.

The Conference is supported by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, The Federation of Thai Industries, Society of India Automobile Manufacturers and Hong Kong Auto Parts Industry Association, with the UL International Limited, HIS Hong Kong Limited and Morning Sun (HK) Limited as sponsors.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Betty Lee
General Manager
Corporate Communications and Events
Tel: (852) 2788 5036
Fax: (852) 2788 5056
E-mail: emilyc@hkpc.org
Website: www.hkpc.org

16 May 2006