There has never been a more exciting time for the motor industry as we are on the brink of a technological revolution. As a result of customer driven needs and the expectation for more advanced motoring technology, the theme for this year’s conference of Technology and Change could not have been more relevant. Held at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS), the conference saw expert speakers from across the globe come together to give insight into what technological advancements we can expect in the future and how automotive businesses need to adapt.
Now in its ninth year, this biennial conference, hosted by South Africa’s leading motoring magazine CAR, first took place in 1996. CAR publisher, Neil Piper, welcomed the over 400 delegates by explaining the technological growth that has taken place at CAR over the years. “From just the printed magazine in 1996, CAR has since developed into a 360 degree offering across all platforms, creating a successful co-exist between print and digital,” explained Piper. Rob van Rooyen, representative of key sponsor Tracker, Africa’s leading vehicle tracking company, then took to the stage to address the necessity for technology to help address human needs more effectively.
Acting as MC for the event, Barlow Manilal, CEO of the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), set the scene for the strong line up of speakers. This kicked off with keynote speaker, Doug Newcomb, an expert on technology in the motor industry in the US, who gave a powerful presentation on the consumer’s desire to stay connected when in their vehicles. He identified the strong trend, reiterated throughout the conference, of future predictions for driverless vehicles and autonomous cars. “What will this mean for the driver and the need for drivers licences in the future? Almost 100 years since the Ford assembly line, we are today seeing an explosion in connectivity and enormous growth in connected cars. While there will be obstacles in terms of legalities and public acceptance, this really is an exceptionally exciting time for the industry,” said Newcomb.
Sizwe Nxedlana, FNB Chief Economist gave an engaging presentation looking at the macroeconomic environment and highlighting the global economy shift towards an increase of 2-3% gross domestic product (GDP) growth. He made note that while an economic boom is not on the horizon, South Africa is in a strong position. With a similar focus on growth, the current NAAMSA President, and President and CEO of Toyota SA, Dr Johan Van Zyl, provided delegates with the vision for 2020. With an estimated 1.2 million produced vehicles predicted, Van Zyl predicted this target to be obtainable due to growth in exports and the domestic market.
Dr Martin Zimmermann, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, provided an in-depth look into Mercedes Benz over the years and how technology is a driving force in local production with focus needed on training staff as well as suppliers. This was also highlighted by Jakkie Olivier CEO of RMI, who gave insight in to how manufacturers need to increasingly use technology in order to keep up with the future of the industry.
The Department of Trade and Industry was represented by the Deputy Director-General: Industrial Development Policy Development, Garth Strachan, who spoke about Government’s vision for the automotive industry. Looking at how industrial policy frameworks drive this vision, he highlighted that technological change will increase South Africa’s competitiveness in the global automotive market.
South African born and now Head: Design Colour and Trim at Volkswagen AG, Oona Scheepers took a look at the role technology plays in the design aspect of vehicles. Due to environmental awareness, the process and materials used are now focussed on providing a low carbon future with all VW plants ensuring they reduce energy and water wastage as much as possible. Living by the statement ‘passion is the main requirement for premium quality’ Scheepers indentified that in order to have sustainable business success, it is vital to retain a positive vision.
The conference also recognised the late Errol Richardson as the Automobil and RMI Industry Person of the Year. Richardson tragically passed away earlier this year and left behind a legacy of outstanding contributions to the SA motor industry. The award was accepted by his widow and family.
Concluding the day’s proceedings was the highly acclaimed automotive industry veteran, Brand Pretorius who summed the day’s proceedings up eloquently by stating, “If you don’t like change you will like irrelevance even less. We need to transform in this new technological world and ensure businesses keep in step with change. Technology in the automotive industry is set to evolve at breakneck speed and it will depend on the insight of businesses, into technology and change, and how we accept and make use of the information in order to make businesses better,” concluded Pretorius.
