Automotive Team/Working with US Supplier

CS The Hague, CS Paris and CS Casablanca are working with the Global Automotive Team on a major project to get U.S. Tier 1-3 suppliers in the door at the world's fourth largest vehicle manufacturer, Renault/Nissan.

The joint effort started in April, when CS Thanae Bennani notified the Team of Renault/Nissan's activities in building one of their largest production plants in Tangiers, Morocco. This plant goes into production by 2010 and will have the capacity to produce 400,000 vehicles per year. CS Natasha Keylard, CS Stephanie Pencole, CS Bennani brainstormed how the U.S. automotive industry can benefit from this opportunity. In addition to supplying U.S. automotive companies with information through a webinar to be held at the end of August, they will connect qualified suppliers with a French agent, which has the expertise to increase the chances of selected U.S. companies to make it onto Renault/Nissan's list of preferred suppliers. Reaching out to U.S. industry is done with the full support of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA), which is part of the Motor Equipment Manufacturers' Association (MEMA).Anne Evans, Director of the Middletown USEAC in Connecticut, brought a potential market access issue to the attention of the Global Automotive Team concerning the end-of-life vehicles (ELV) directive effective in the European Union. The ELV Directive has an impact on the design of vehicles and the requirements for ELV collection and treatment facilities. All cars must be designed for 85% recyclability until 2009; 95% after 2010.  

Automotive Team Works with a New Product-End of Life Vehicles (ELV)

Anne Evans, Director of the Middletown USEAC in Connecticut, brought a potential market access issue to the attention of the Global Automotive Team concerning the end-of-life vehicles (ELV) directive effective in the European Union. The ELV Directive has an impact on the design of vehicles and the requirements for ELV collection and treatment facilities. All cars must be designed for 85% recyclability until 2009; 95% after 2010.

With the help of team members in Europe, Global Automotive Team Leader Natasha Keylard gauged the potential ramifications of the ELV Directive on U.S. suppliers to European customers. It appears that U.S. companies based in the EU are well aware of the new requirements, but suppliers based in the U.S. may require additional information. To meet this need, Trade Specialists were provided with updated information, which is also available on the Auto Team website.

Automotive Team Recruits Trade Mission to Russia   

The US Commercial Service Global Automotive Team, working with the renowned Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor, MI, organized and recruited a trade mission of US automotive suppliers to Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia from May 11-16, 2008. The mission was funded by grants from the US Department of Labor, and the Mott Foundation, and was supported by Detroit law firm Berry Moorman, with offices in St. Petersburg.

This was the 4th CAR Mission supported by the USCS Global Automotive Team within the past year. A total of 13 companies applied. Following a selection process, 12 individuals participated, representing several companies & organizations, including Tier I and II suppliers.

The companies met key representatives of Russian, American and foreign automakers: AvtoVaz, Gaz, ZIL, Kamaz, IzhAvto, Renault, Toyota, Ford and General Motors, all of which assemble/manufacture vehicles in Russia. The mission participants also participated in market briefings, site visits, and one-on-one meetings with potential business partners via the U.S. Commercial Service premier matchmaking tool - the Gold Key Service. Finally, a high-level business reception was organized for trade mission participants and business contacts in the Russian automotive sector at the American Consul General's Residence in St. Petersburg. The above described mission activities were planned and implemented by the US Commercial Service Global Automotive Team.

Emilio Brahmst led this project for the Center for Automotive Research. Randolph Wright participated as lead representative of Berry Moorman. Key US Commercial Service Automotive Team members responsible for recruiting, organizing and conducting this mission were: Keith Silver and Alexander Kansky in St. Petersburg, Mark O'Grady and Vladislav Borodulin in Moscow, and Eve Lerman in Pontiac, Michigan.

Automotive Team and Environmental Team Collaborate at Waste Expo

The Global Environmental Team collaborated with the Automotive Team and conducted several high-level programs at Waste Expo, held May 5-8, 2008 in Chicago. Waste Expo is the largest solid waste and recycling show in the United States. International Buyer Matchmaking coordinator Danielle Caltabiano arranged 58 appointments between 29 international buyers and 14 U.S. companies. Simultaneously, Showtime Coordinator Lesa Forbes arranged 48 appointments between 11 U.S. companies and 6 Commercial Specialists. Additionally, Team Members Robin Mugford, Elizabeth Krauth, Ree Russell, and Patrick Hope assisted GTP Program Manager Amanda Ayvaz with visitors to the International Business Center; conducted outreach to approximately 66 companies, including automotive companies on the show floor; provided a list of the international buyers and their buying interests to U.S. companies; and escorted international buyers to individualized meetings on the show floor.

The Team gathered together the most current Solid Waste Market Research Reports from our OIO Commercial Specialists prior to the show. A special handout was produced for the benefit of the exhibitors and IBC visitors, thanks to the creative placement of the research URLs onto the Houston USEAC website. Delegations were escorted from Bulgaria (Stanislava Dimitrova); Romania (Maria Nitoui), Guatemala (Claudia Toaspern); India (Pandrangi Radhakishore); Ukraine (Olena Stephanska); and Saudi Arabia (Abuelgasim Mukhtar). Mike Howard of the Ex-Im Bank's Chicago office also joined in several of the meetings regarding financing options. Preliminary indications are that this has been a very successful cross-fertilization event for both teams, with several quote requests already in the works.

Automotive Team Supports Trade Mission to Russia, May 11-16, 2008

The US Commercial Service Global Automotive Team, working with the renowned Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor, MI, organized and recruited a trade mission of US automotive suppliers to Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia from May 11-16, 2008. The mission was funded by grants from the US Department of Labor, and the Mott Foundation, and was supported by Detroit law firm Berry Moorman, with offices in St. Petersburg. 

This was the 4th CAR Mission supported by the USCS Global Automotive Team within the past year. A total of 13 companies applied. Following a selection process, 12 individuals participated, representing several companies & organizations, including Tier I and II suppliers.

The companies met key representatives of Russian, American and foreign automakers: AvtoVaz, Gaz, ZIL, Kamaz, IzhAvto, Renault, Toyota, Ford and General Motors, all of which assemble/manufacture vehicles in Russia. The mission participants also participated in market briefings, site visits, and one-on-one meetings with potential business partners via the U.S. Commercial Service premier matchmaking tool - the "Gold Key Service". Finally, a high-level business reception was organized for trade mission participants and business contacts in the Russian automotive sector at the American Consul General's Residence in St. Petersburg. The above described mission activities were planned and implemented by the US Commercial Service Global Automotive Team.

Emilio Brahmst led this project for the Center for Automotive Research. Randolph Wright participated as lead representative of Berry Moorman. Key US Commercial Service Automotive Team members responsible for recruiting, organizing and conducting this mission were: Keith Silver and Alexander Kansky in St. Petersburg, Mark O'Grady and Vladislav Borodulin in Moscow, and Eve Lerman in Pontiac, Michigan.

The photograph to the right shows trade mission participants and US Commercial Service Commerce and Trade Specialists speaking to potentital business partners in Moscow.

Messe Frankfurt Atlanta Receives Trade Fair Certification for Automechanika Middle East

Trade Event Programs Specialist Michael Thompson is seen handing over the Trade Fair Certification certificate to David Audrain, President of Messe Frankfurt Atlanta. The certificate is for Automechanika Middle East.

To David's right are Michael Dehn, Senior Show Manager of Automechanika Middle East, Shannon Hebert, International Sales and Marketing Manager. To Michael's left is Natasha Keylard, Automotive Team Leader, US Commercial Service. Picture dated November 2007. 

Automotive/Environmental and Energy Teams Collaborate with DAS on Trade Mission to China

To help U.S. automotive exporters enter the Indian market, the Global Automotive Team coordinated a small but effective US Pavilion at the 9th Auto Expo India trade fair. This event took place on January 10-17, 2008, at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. CS New Delhi Commercial Specialist Sandeep Maini and North Texas USEAC Trade Specialist Danielle Caltabiano led the recruitment effort, which was supported by the Automotive Team and the Speciality Equipment Manufacturer's Association (SEMA). Nine U.S. companies, ranging from automotive components, aftermarket accessories, and automotive services, exhibited at the trade fair's first US Pavilion. As one of Asia's premier automotive shows, spread over 120,000 square meters, Auto Expo India attracted over 1.8 million visitors and showcased flagship launches, such as Tata Motors' Nano, the world's cheapest car ($2,500). CS offered various value-added services to exhibitors, such as a free networking reception at Minister Counselor Carmine D'Aloisio's residence, which attracted over 150 guests. Additional services included one-on-one market briefings, prime booth location at the entrance of the show, and an Embassy Guarantee to import exhibits duty-free. One highlight included two US Pavilion exhibitors promoting their products on India's largest Hindi news station, Aaj Tak. One Gold Key has been initiated, numerous potential sales and representative agreements are in the works, and more are expected to follow within the next 12 months. According to the exhibitors and CS staff, the show was a success and we a need to have a bigger U.S. Pavilion at 10th Auto Expo 2010!

Automotive Team Leads Trade Mission to India

On Friday, January 25, 2008 TS Eve Lerman reached Bernard Swiecki of the Center for Automotive Research to discuss results from a trade mission to India supported by the Global Automotive Team. The Automotive Team took the lead on supporting the Trade Mission to the Auto Expo India Show in New Delhi, India from January 5 - 12, 2008. TS Lerman of the Pontiac USEAC worked with CS Sandeep Maini of CS New Delhi, and Danielle Caltabiano of the North Texas USEAC to recruit and prepare for this mission. Danielle travelled to India to work with Sandeep on Auto Expo India Show activities, including the Mission.

This was the 3rd Mission organized by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor, Michigan with support of the Automotive Team. A total of 7 Michigan companies in the automotive sector participated, with 5 taking part in Gold Key meetings. CAR Senior Project Manager Bernard Swiecki, who coordinated the mission, was very favorably impressed with the program. He noted that the Gold Key schedules included 8 to 9 meetings per company, a reception was organized at the residence of CS India SCO Carmine D'Aloisio, two automotive manufacturing tours were held - at the Maruti-Suzuki and Hero-Honda plants, and companies also benefited from two days the Auto Expo India Show.

CAR's trade mission program is supported by grants from the US Department of Labor WIRED Program, and from the Mott Foundation

Automotive/Environmental and Energy Teams Collaborate with DAS on Trade Mission to China

DOC/MAC Assistant Secretary David Bohigian led a 16-company Clean Energy Trade Mission to Guangzhou from January 10-11, 2008. With support from the Public Affairs Section, A/S Bohigian was greeted upon arrival in Guangzhou by a press roundtable for local and international media for TV and printed media coverage. The large mission enjoyed a welcome reception hosted by Consul General Robert Goldberg.

On January 11, during a Consular breakfast meeting, CS Guangzhou PCO Ireas Cook, the Consulate General, and Consular Officers briefed the delegates and USG officials on relevant issues in their business interests. A/S Bohigian and the delegation attended a high-ranking meeting with Executive Vice-Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr. Huang Yunlong, and the Director Generals of the Guangdong Development and Reform Commission, Guangdong Economic and Trade Commission, Guangdong Environmental Protection Bureau and the related Municipal Government agencies. To conclude the morning conferences, the delegation visited the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the only entity in South China specializing in Research and Development in the renewable energy industries.

Also on January 11, A/S Bohigian attended the Hybrid Bus Launch Ceremony between U.S. Eaton Corp. and the Guangzhou Yiqi Bus Corp., commemorating Eaton's sale of 30 hybrid engines to the Yiqi Bus. The Assistant Secretary held talks with Mr. Chen Bin, Director General of the Guangdong Provincial Economic and Trade Commission, the leading force in the on-going 'Energy Saving and Emission Reduction' campaign in South China. CS Guangzhou facilitated 60 targeted one-on-one business meetings, between the private sector trade mission participants and corresponding companies in South China working in their specific fields of specialty. The goal is to open avenues of discussion and business ventures in the important areas of clean and renewable energy and environmental improvement.

Twelve Automotive Team members Participate in the Center for Automotive Research "Management Briefing Seminars" 2007

In partnership with CAR (Center for Automotive Research), twelve U.S. Commercial Service Automotive Team members (6 domestic and 6 from overseas) were provided a first-time opportunity to participate in a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer's industry event, the CAR "Management Briefing Seminars" held in Traverse City, Michigan August 6 - 10th, 2007.

This yearly CAR conference attracts top-level managers of US and foreign automakers and suppliers, industry association leaders, researchers and journalists. Beyond being an excellent professional development forum, with an audience of over one thousand attendees, it provided a rare opportunity to network effectively with companies and partners at a major industry event.

The Automotive Team met with CAR representatives during the event to plan further collaboration, including our 2nd joint trade mission, to the Frankfurt Motor Show, a 3rd joint mission to the Auto Expo India Show (January 2008), a 4th joint trade mission to Asia in 2008.

Following the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, 5 OIO Auto Team Members fanned out to conduct outreach events in the U.S. Export Assistance Centers in Pontiac, MI, Grand Rapids, MI, Cincinnati, OH, Indianapolis, IN, Philadelphia, PA, Charlotte, NC, and Birmingham, AL.

Team Member of the Year Awards!

Brian Miller, U.S. Export Assistance Center, Louisville, Kentucky.

Brian Miller serves as Deputy Team Leader of the Automotive Team. Brian’s knowledge of the automotive sector is vast. He is the guiding hand behind the "U.S. Supplier Search" - the Automotive Team's innovative service that helps buyers find U.S. suppliers. Brian is able to speak with purchasing departments of foreign automakers at a high technical level. His vast knowledge allows him to research potential suppliers and understand which have the ability to supply an OEMs needs. The result has been a series of projects for foreign automakers, a letter of commendation to the US Department of Commerce commending the Automotive Team from an OEM Vice President of Purchasing, and feedback from headquarters that the reports are extremely helpful. Brian effectively brings automotive team members into the process to research potential suppliers, determine which have potential, and contact suppliers to ask specific questions about the capabilities. These are merged into a final report for requesting automakers. Brian’s contributions to the Automotive Team, and US industry, is outstanding. We are pleased he has been honored for his efforts.

Yu-Chien Chen, U.S. Commercial Service Office, Shanghai, China

Chien’s enthusiastic work with the Automotive Team has been exemplary. In just the last twelve months Chien completed 23 Gold Key Service requests for automotive-related companies, briefed 5 automotive-related trade missions, and created well-received industry market research. Chien has also worked diligently within the Automotive Team to build strong relationships with U.S. and Chinese Automotive Associations. In 2006 he was selected as one of only two international automotive specialists to attend Automotive Team training in Detroit. Yu-Chien Chen is a valuable asset to the global Automotive Team. It is a sincere pleasure to see him recogized for his work.

Automotive Team Client Receives Export Achievement Certificate from Commerce Under Sec. Frank Lavin

Commerce Department Under Secretary for International Trade Franklin Lavin, who was in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show, presented an Export Achievement Certificate to CS Automotive Team and Pontiac USEAC client Veri-Tek International Corp. of Wixom, MI on January 11, 2007.

Veri-Tek International designs and produces assembly & testing equipment for the automotive industry. Their Export Achievement Certificate was granted to recognize their first ever export - which consisted of three Axle Quality Audit & Noise Testing Machines for use in automotive component production lines in Mexico.

The sale was a direct result of meetings arranged during the USCS Automotive Team Supply Chain Trade Mission to Mexico, by Automotive Team member Gerardo Victorica, of the CS Guadalajara office. Victorica, and his colleagues, with support of domestic trade mission lead Eric Nielsen, arranged meetings in the Guadalajara region, focusing on the automotive sector in the cities of Aguascalientes and Silao. Bob Lytkowski, Business Development Specialist at Veri-Tek International, who participated in the Mission, met with the customer he ultimately sold to during the trip.

Mr. Lytkowski summed up his experience with the U.S. Commercial Service as follows: "I have been very happy with the support provided by the U.S. Commercial Service. I was pleasantly surprised to find out about the existence of these programs to support U.S. exports. I have told others in the industry, who are unaware these programs even exist. I am impressed by both the value and quality of the service I have received."

Mr. Lytkowski, who recieved the award on behalf of Veri-Tek International, has gone on to rely on the Commercial Service to support projects in Korea, resulting in additional export successes. Automotive Team Leader Eve Lerman, in the Pontiac USEAC, is the trade specialist assigned to Veri-Tek International; she was present for the award presentation.

MacNeil Automotive succeeds in first sale to Iceland

Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, presented the Department's Export Achievement Certificate Award to MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd. of Downers Grove, IL during National Manufacturing Week 2006 in Chicago. The award recognizes U.S. companies that have benefited from the Department’s U.S. Commercial Service’s programs and services to make their first export sale or open new foreign markets.

MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd. is a manufacturer of automotive accessories, including floor mats, cargo and floor liners, side window deflectors, and a variety of other functional automotive accessories. MacNeil utilized the U.S. Commercial Service’s International Buyer Program and trade event information to meet key export contacts from Iceland at the Specialty Equipment Market Association Trade Show in Las Vegas. As a result, MacNeil was able to make a new-to-market sale to Iceland, and has made subsequent sales to the four other countries in Europe and Latin America. Exporting has also enabled the company to add new staff. MacNeil Automotive is a client of Trade Specialist Robin Mugford, Libertyville, Illinois Export Assistance Center.

Pictured above from Left to Right in photo are Secretary Gutierrez, David MacNeil (President), Brenda MacNeil (Vice President), Robin Mugford (Trade Specialist)