From Russia with love

The specific challenges and opportunities facing automotive logisticians and manufacturers in the Russian marketplace will be debated in detail by some of the most important players in the industry at this years Automotive Logistics Russia conference.

The event will take place at the Astoria Hotel in St Petersburg, from 3 - 5 June, 2008.

As one of the worlds most resurgent economies in recent years, logistics in Russia represents the missing piece of the jigsaw for many in the automotive manufacturing sector. The region now enjoys a high degree of financial and political stability, twinned with a heritage of leading-edge research and technological development, making it a prime location for automotive manufacturing. 

However, rapid recent growth has put strain on the existing infrastructure and manufacturers and logisticians in the region face a constant challenge to keep the supply chain - and production - flowing. At Automotive Logistics Russia 2008, leading players in the field will explore the opportunities within this growing market, as well as the problems and constraints often experienced when entering the Russian automotive marketplace. 

The event is supported by leading names from across the industry. Victor Ivanov, general director for premier sponsor RailTransAuto, commented: Automotive Logistics Russia is the only event that brings together representatives of such a high level from OEMs, suppliers and logistics providers that specialise in the region. It is a wonderful opportunity to gain an insight into the forces that are shaping the future of the marketplace and exchange ideas with colleagues for helping to drive the continued growth of Russia as a manufacturing location.  

Elena Zhadanova, director for gold sponsor Russian Transport Lines, predicted that the Russian marketplace would become increasingly important on the world stage: The Russian domestic market is predicted to become the second biggest in Europe by 2010 and to almost double over the next six years. Many of the worlds leading carmakers have already located here and more are following. In such a rapidly expanding market, logistics providers must work closely with manufacturers in order to help support that growth. 

A comprehensive seminar programme will cover topics such as the development of an intelligent logistics infrastructure and the implementation of lean manufacturing and material flows in the region. A dedicated stream of seminars will focus on finished vehicle logistics for both importers and exporters to the Russian market.  

Amongst the confirmed speakers for the event are key figures in the industry, such as Ivan Karasev, head of logistics for Hyundai Motor CIS, Alexey Tenkov, logistics and distribution manager, General Motors CIS and Axel Bantel, VP, European head of commercial and supply chain management, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics. 

Notes: 

        Automotive Logistics magazine is the only global publication dedicated to the strategy, management and movement of components, finished automobiles and service parts, from factory floor to dealer forecourt.  

        Automotive Logistics organises conferences throughout the world. Europe, China, USA, Turkey, India and Russia play host to their annual events. 

        The conference is supported by several leading names in the automotive logistics sector, such as premier sponsor RailTransAuto and gold sponsors DB Schenker, GEFCO, NYK Line and Russian Transport Lines. Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics is a global sponsor, whilst silver sponsors include Adampol, CF&S, Sunderland City Council, Linpac Allibert and Vehnet.