China's automotive industry has grown dramatically over the last decade and is increasingly becoming part of the global car industry.The Chinese market, ranked second in the world's vehicle market, can no longer be ignored by global manufacurers. Chinese local brands have grown beyond expectation - over a dozen manufacturers are exporting or have a serious potential to export cars and commercial vehicles abroad, including to the developed markets of the US and Europe. However, in a technology-driven industry, with growing consumer and regulatory requirments,China's automotive sector will continue to seek foreign investment to effectively drive its development. All this is taking place against a background of ferocious competition and declining margins.

These forces will result in a dramatic re-shaping of the competitive landscape of China's automotive industry over the years to come. While a consolidation of the industry remains out of sight, Chinese and foreign car manufacturers will increasingly have to cooperate on specific projects, while competing on others, both in the Chinese and world markets.

CEIBS' Auto Forum 2007 will provide critical insight into the complex forces that are reshaping China's car industry, through the perspectives of prominent government officials, industry leaders and renowned academics.