Bumi group defends open AP system, claims kept automotive industry ‘competitive’

as informed in ― Picture by Zuraneeza ZulkifliKUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — The Malaysian Association of Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders (or its Malay acronym Pekema) today defended the open Approved Permit (AP) system, claiming that it has helped kept the automotive industry competitive. Zainuddin said in a meeting with the Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) today, he expressed his concerns over rumours that the open AP system will be abolished by the Pakatan Harapan government. "There are about 800 types of AP in Malaysia and only an open AP is charged with a fee. According to the National Automotive Policy review in 2015, the open AP system should have been terminated by Dec 31, 2015 but Miti has since decided to maintain it with minor policy tweaks. The objective of the new AP policy was to empower the Bumiputera economic agenda and to give Bumiputeras equal opportunities in the automotive sector, among others.

Forum will analyse future of automotive industry in SA

The South African motor industry is in a state of flux as it waits to hear the government's final master plan for the industry for the period 2020-35. "We have linked this insightful conference and exhibition to our Automechanika automotive after-market trade fair brand to stress its credibility and value to the South African motor industry," said Tracy Gounden, show director for the Cape Automotive Forum. He serves on a number of relevant organisations, from the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Nedlac, Business Unity SA and the Motor Industry Development Council. The automotive after-market has also been affected with an increase to a trend towards DIY repairs with the ability of end-users to source parts and accessories online. Says Gounden: "We are pleased with the calibre of speakers at forum, which is a must attend event for people involved in SA's motor industry."

Smart factory adoption could be catalyst for automotive industry

as informed in A new study has found that adoption of smart factory technology is set to add up to $160 billion annually to the global auto industry in productivity gains by 2023 onwards. Meanwhile, at a further 43% of automotive companies, smart factory initiatives are currently being formulated. Researchers found that, the automotive sector has the highest share of organisations which have invested more than $250 million in smart factories. Along with America, which under its current administration is placing a heightened importance on home-grown manufacturing, manufacturing hubs of India and China also lag behind Western Europe's main players. This study clearly demonstrates the enthusiasm among automotive organizations to invest in smart factories and the awareness of the long-term benefits.

collected by :Catlin Logan