In what appears to be a breakthrough, a milestone and a recognition of automotive power, Mr. Yu Kai, President of China Automotive Technology and Research Center and Vice Chairman of China Association of Automobile Manufacturers will be the keynote speaker at the SAE World Congress that runs 4-6 April 2017 at the Cobo Center in Detroit.
Traditionally, SAE was dominated by what were then called the Big Three Detroit auto manufacturers, more recently it has become an international forum for global automakers and suppliers. Now it’s China’s turn – the world’s largest auto market, and one where – true to Chinese style – they are duplicating – or is that counterfeiting – SAE practices and standards. Also note well that access to China is restricted unless a company has a government-dictated local partner and the Chinese Communist party oversees the hiring.
During his presentation, SAE says that Mr. Kai will go in depth about the latest developments and prospects of the burgeoning Chinese auto industry. Industry observers know that China is confronted by increasing traffic and environmental concerns, of course, and now the unpredictable Trump Administration. The Chinese market has recently, after 10 years of rapid development, slowed down, with potentially negative effects on the earnings of Ford Motor and General Motors, among others, including Volkswagen Group and Toyota.
“We’re honored to have such a forward-looking, respected thought leader address WCX,” claims David L. Schutt, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of SAE International. “The technical innovation coming out of the Chinese mobility sector is fascinating and I look forward to hearing more about what the future holds.”
Mr. Kai’s experience includes time as President of the Fifth Design Institute under the Ministry of Machinery Industry, Board Member and Vice General Manager of China United Engineering Corporation, Vice General Manager of China Automotive Industry Engineering Corporation, among other positions. He began his career as an engineer and researcher.
In 2016, SAE World Congress drew more than 11,000 attendees from the automotive industry. As the event evolves into WCX – the X is for experiences in mangled marketing language, an apparent and blatant rebranding move. SAE claims the World Congress Experience cover the entire mobility industry, engineers, engineering managers, executives, academics, government/military officials, and consultants will attend.
Ford Motor Company will provide “Executive Leadership” and DENSO will serve as the Tier One Strategic Partner for WCX.
