French auto-parts company leverages local innovation and supply chains to lead in new EV market

Known as China's "auto valley," the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone stands as a hub teeming with over 400 foreign automotive enterprises, a testament to its allure for global industry players.

Among these is the globally renowned automotive accessories company EFI from France, which established its presence in China in 2004, poised to witness the dynamic evolution of the local automotive landscape and seize the burgeoning opportunities it unfurled.

EFI China's CEO, Eric Lemaire, has entrenched himself as a longstanding ally of the nation, immersing early on in automotive endeavors to witness the blossoming of the Chinese automotive realm firsthand.

"So the decision to open EFI China was taken a long time ago by Mr Patrick Toller with the father of the current CEO of the group Beatrice Taller. He came to China, and he saw that China was a market, will [be] booming in the following years," said Lemaire.

In the first few years, EFI China grappled with challenges, particularly stemming from a lack of a robust local supply chain. All components were sourced from Europe. Starting in 2008, EFI China began efforts to develop local suppliers. By 2015, a significant shift was observed, with almost all components being locally procured.

"In the beginning, we had to purchase every bolt and every seal from Europe. Now, our core components, including precision-engineered metal parts, can be exported to Europe," said Wu Zhihong, senior procurement manager at EFI Automotive Accessories Systems (Wuhan) Co., Ltd.

Amidst the surging transformation and upgrading of China's automotive industry, the development pace of new energy and intelligent connected vehicles has also accelerated. Grasping the opportunity, EFI China established its own realm of research and development.

"Now in China, we have to do the full R and D and to not depend anymore on the location in the headquarters in France. Why? Because China is quick. You have to insert quickly. You have to be next to the customer, but also to insert quickly. So this is why I decided to push forward. And now we have the full R and D located here and we're able to do everything and to have the main contact with the customer," said Lemaire.

With China reigning as the global epicenter for new energy vehicles, EFI China's prowess in supply chain dynamics and tech innovations has vaulted to the forefront. A pivotal moment arrived in 2021 as an actuator product for new energy vehicles, a brainchild of EFI China, notched a milestone of 500,000 units in global sales.

Lamaire said China's new energy vehicle ecosystem is different from that in Europe and the products are more advanced.

"The speed is very different. In China you can take a very quick decision and also the process to define a new vehicle, and the time to define a new vehicle is very short compared to Europe. We need to put new innovation and we can see it. I don't know if you went to the auto show last year, you can see there is a big difference between the Chinese vehicle and the European vehicle. It's more in advance," said Lemaire.

To cater to the escalating appetite for bespoke automotive solutions, EFI Wuhan has transcended conventional production norms, pioneering a modular production approach that has since been adopted Group-wide.

"The modular approach pioneered by EFI Wuhan, from China's market. Now the whole EFI Group adopts this approach. Their modular approach plan is developed in China, and then exported to Turkish and French market, said Zou You, operation manager at EFI Automotive Accessories Systems (Wuhan) Co., Ltd.

The expansive market canvas, nimble response mechanisms, and resilient industrial chains in China continue to propel EFI Wuhan's stature skyward. Lemaire, fueled by ambition, envisions EFI Wuhan not just as a group frontrunner but a global trailblazer.

"Today in China, here in EFI China, we are capable to do the full development. So we are making the full R and D and we are making the manufacturing. So it was one of the main decisions to have EFI China totally autonomous and to provide solution for all the location of the group," said Lemaire.

French auto-parts company leverages local innovation and supply chains to lead in new EV market

Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.

Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.

More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.

Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.

"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.

During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.

"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.

In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.

With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.

"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.

Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition