CONFERENCE REPORT 2010

Automotive manufacturers in China are set to become early adopters of the latest production technologies in order to supply the booming local market and address growing environmental concerns. This, according to John Buttermore, Vice-President Manufacturing, GM International Operations, speaking at the Automotive Manufacturing Solutions China conference, held 3-4 June at the Intercontinental Hotel Pudong in Shanghai.

Buttermore went on to say that in terms of automotive production, China could no longer be looked at as an individual market separate from other regions. Instead, he noted that both national and joint-venture operations would need to improve process technologies "in order to meet customer expectations that are as high in China as anywhere else in the world." To help reach this goal, Buttermore said that GM would be introducing 10 new models into the Chinese market over the next year.

While carmakers in China are not renowned for their environmental credentials, Buttermore pointed out that the third GM JV facility in China was due to receive landfill-free status. The new technologies automotive companies needed to adopt would further reduce material wastage and emissions, while also serving to improve plant efficiency. 

For a full report on the AMS China conference, please be sure to see our July/August issue.