Faster than expected, China has become one of the major car producers and car markets in the world, with more vehicles sold in China than in any other country in the first half of 2009. China is therefore having a major impact on the development of the global car industry, both because of its huge market, and because of the emergence of large Chinese car companies that are expanding their activities outside the country’s borders.

However with slower economic growth, sustainability has become a major concern, and will bring about more active government involvement in the industry in pursuit of industry consolidation. At the same time, environmental impact and energy consumption are increasingly determining government attitudes toward the industry, with more emphasis being placed on stricter emission and oil consumption standards, preferential policies for small engine cars, support for the development of alternative engines, and traffic restrictions in cities. 

CEIBS’ Auto Forum 2009 will provide a platform - from the perspectives of government officials, industry leaders and renowned academics - for understanding the complex forces influencing the sustainable development of China’s automotive industry, governmental involvement in its development and consolidation, and its influence on and relationship with the global industry.