This year, the 5th annual global conference of the CEE Automotive Supply Chain took place in Žilina, Slovakia, on 11 and 12 October. Air Time Critical® representatives were present in person.
The CEE supply chain was on the programme
The Holiday Inn hotel welcomed more than 300 participants from 16 countries. The first day’s main theme was ‘The future of the supply chain in Central and Eastern Europe.’ The 2nd day was dedicated to B2B appointments that had been pre-arranged on the b2match platform. The event was organised by the Slovak Automotive Industry Association and the Czech Automotive Industry Association (AutoSAP).
Discussions covered energy, the shortage of semiconductors, and sustainability
Recurring conference topics included high energy prices, the shortage of semiconductors, and above all ecology and sustainability, which are both closely linked to the advent of electric cars. Indeed, car manufacturing targets are even tougher than European regulations.
CEE Automotive – A take-away…
Hyundai and Volvo are turning away from the diesel engine. The new Volvo factory in Košice will only manufacture electric cars – the first car is expected in 2026. Emphasis will be placed on using local suppliers and saving energy over the whole manufacturing process. Suppliers themselves will need to really think about sustainability and adapt their processes accordingly.
Similarly, Hyundai is planning to offer electric versions for all its models. It will come under the Genesis brand in the United States by 2030, in Europe by 2035, and in other major markets by 2040. The main objective is to reach carbon neutrality by 2045. Volvo intends to get there by 2040.
Evaluating the Slovakia CEE Automotive
Environment and sustainability are key concerns
All speakers agreed that the environment was a key concern for the European automotive industry. They are supportive of the efforts to boost the environment and fully accept their role as European leaders on this journey. However, the European automotive industry cannot sustain this trend economically without the rest of the world following suit, or market protection measures being implemented.
This event was a success for Air Time Critical® as we made many interesting new contacts and held insightful discussions about key topical trends with our peers. This was also an opportunity for ATC® to reinforce its presence on local markets in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Furthermore, we had the pleasure of seeing representatives from Toyota, Kia, Škoda and Forvia, with whom 1:1 meetings had been pre-arranged.
The next conference should take place in Olomouc, Czech Republic, in 2023 and Air Time Critical® will certainly be there. Until then, do not hesitate to contact us any time. We will be delighted to present our urgent door-to-door air transport solutions to/from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and to identify those that best suit your needs:
Contact Air Time Critical®:
- through its online quote form
- by phone: France: +33 1 78 90 26 52 – Belgium: +32 2 888 84 16 – Slovakia and the Czech Republic: +421 233 046 908