Siemens VDO holds procurement-policy seminar in Taiwan

Taipei, Aug. 9, 2005 (CENS)-- Siemens VDO Automotive AG of Germany, a leading global auto-parts supplier, recently held a procurement-policy briefing session in Taiwan seeking to find some qualified suppliers on the island.

According to Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), which helped Siemens VDO arrange the activities, the German auto-parts maker plans to find suppliers of high-precision pressing parts, high-precision axles (for air conditioners, engine cooling systems, power windows, anti-lock brake systems etc.), precision machining parts, fuel-pump plastic parts and gears, fasteners, powder metallurgy products, magnetic materials (including iron and non-iron), forging parts (in iron material, cold- or medium-temperature forging), bearings, rubber seals, and PP (polypropylene)/ABS parts.

According to TAITRA, Siemens VDO is an internationally leading supplier of auto electronics and mechatronics. The firm manufactures a comprehensive spectrum of products relating to the drive-train, engine management electronics and fuel injection that simultaneously improve engine performance and reduce emissions.

Driver comfort is enhanced and driving is made easier with information and car communication systems that include instrumentation, audio and navigation equipment, telematics and multimedia applications, up to entire cockpit designs. Safety is increased by Siemens VDO products for the chassis and body such as airbags, ABS or access control systems. The council said that Siemens VDO registered global sales revenue of US$9.5 billion, making it the world's 11th-largest auto-parts maker.

A senior TAITRA official said the global auto-parts supply chains are facing a restructuring, with most big international companies having switched or being switching their procurement focuses to the Asia-Pacific region by releasing increasing contract orders. With the advantages of rapid response to market trends, small-batch and large-variety production mode, on-time delivery and high quality, local auto-parts makers are expected to win more businesses from big international buyers such as Siemens VDO.

TAITRA has been actively promoting exports of Taiwan-made auto parts since early this year. The council led a Taiwanese original equipment manufacturing (OEM) parts delegation to North America in June and will continuously organize similar delegations to South Korea and Thailand to negotiate businesses with auto makers in the nations. In addition, TAITRA has been actively inviting procurement officials from major international auto-parts brands or automakers to hold procurement seminars with interested suppliers here.