IBIS China 2019: embracing transformation
The International Bodyshop Industry Symposium (IBIS) attracted a record number of delegates to Shanghai on 4 December as China’s leaders in the collision repair industry gathered to hear exciting new ways to “embrace transformation”.
More than 120 insurers, vehicle manufacturers, OEMs and repairers were drawn to the one-day IBIS China 2019 though-leadership conference at Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Centre by a top-level line-up of local and international speakers who explored the opportunities of change in the Chinese automotive market.
Up for debate were the issues, ramifications and opportunities resulting from the seismic and unprecedented developments in the Chinese market such as the drop in new car sales, strict quotas on new registrations in a bid to help the environment, and an upturn in the used car market.
Sessions were conducted in either English or Mandarin (Putonghua) with simultaneous headphone interpretation.
Among the many highlights was Solera data development director Chen Sheng’s exploration of how new technologies are taking us every-closer to touch-less claims; GiPA president Eric Devos focusing on how ADAS and other technologies are resulting in increasingly complex repairs for Chinese bodyshops; Axalta refinish product manager Peter Chen discussing sustainability, regulatory pressures and waterborne product trends as they affect the global refinish supplier in the Chinese market; and SCG president Sean Carey, who expounded on the idea that “the car, as the gift that keeps on giving, is one of the biggest economic drivers on the planet”.
For more information about all the presenters visit IBIS China 2019 speakers, and for a full run-down of the sessions go to IBIS China 2019 agenda.
To close the conference, IBIS CEO and event moderator Jason Moseley brought Aomen Xu onto the stage for a captivating interview focusing on the skills gap (see photo). Xu is the reigning world champion in Autobody Repair, having recently won gold at WorldSkills Kazan 2019 in Russia.
The 20-year-old showed wisdom beyond his years when describing his one-year, five-year and 10-year plans, which get under way immediately with him saving enough money over the next 12 months to earn his driving licence. Eventually, the Shanghai native plans to graduate from college with a teaching degree which will allow him to “pass on his repair knowledge and skills to other young people.”
Moseley said afterwards: “It was an absolute pleasure interviewing Aomen Xu at IBIS China 2019. I was humbled by the fact that he trained like an Olympic athlete to be ready for [WorldSkills]. What an inspiring young man.”
IBIS China 2019 formed an integral part of the Automechanika Shanghai trade fare (3-6 December), which was the biggest yet with 6,590 exhibitors and an estimated 159,728 visitors over the four days.
IBIS thanks its lead partner Axalta, global innovation partner CESVIMAP, and global conference partner Automechanika for their continuous support and assistance in helping to make IBIS China 2019 such as huge success.
