International Experts Present Advanced Metallic Auto Parts Technology at Conference

At a conference organized by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and the Society of Automotive Engineers - Hong Kong (SAE-HK) on 22 January 2007, over 100 local auto parts manufacturers and engineers were urged to enhance their capabilities in advanced metal processing technologies in order to remain competitive in the Mainland auto parts market.

The "International Metallic Auto Parts Technology Conference" is a three-day event co-organized by the Hong Kong Auto Parts Industry Association, Federation of Hong Kong Machinery and Metal Industries, and Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council, with funding support from the Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme of the HKSAR Government, and support from eight local metal industry related trade associations and professional bodies.

Comprising a symposium (22 January 2007) and two workshops (23 and 24 January 2007), the Conference featured presentations by industry experts from Japan, Europe, the USA and Hong Kong. Today's opening ceremony was officiated by Dr T L Ng, Chairman of Automotive Parts and Accessory Systems Research & Development Centre; Mr Simon Leung, Chairman of SAE-HK; and Mr Weiman Chu, Director (Manufacturing Productivity) of HKPC.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Chu said, "According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China has emerged as the second largest automotive market in the world with total sales exceeding 7.2 million units in 2006. Driven by the continuous rise in demands, the figure is forecast to increase further to eight million units this year. This growth rate is unparalleled in other major markets."

According to Mr Chu, this robust growth and subsequent rise in demand for auto parts will attract new business opportunities for Hong Kong manufacturers. "With our strong foundation industry and our CEPA advantages, Hong Kong is well poised to tap these opportunities. To enhance our competitiveness, local manufacturers need to leverage on advanced technologies. This Conference is a timely initiative to provide industry with the latest technologies in metallic auto parts engineering," he said.

Highlighting HKPC's role in support of the local auto parts industry, Mr Chu said, “Last April, HKPC was appointed by the HKSAR Government to host the Automotive Parts and Accessory Systems Research & Development Centre to undertake market-led R&D programmes and commercialize the results in collaboration with industry, universities and technology institutes. In addition, HKPC has set up an Automotive Industry Development Division to offer consultancy and business development services to the local auto parts industry."

At the symposium, 10 international experts shared their insight on the latest auto sheet and tubular metal parts processing, as well as precision machining and other metal process technologies. At the upcoming workshops, case presentations on computer aided simulation of impact test and mechanical strength test for metallic auto parts, as well as magnesium injection technology will be presented.

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23 January 2007