Global Network, NoAE in pact for auto cluster

Ahmedabad-based international trade consulting firm Global Network is set to work with Network of Automotive Excellence (NoAE) of Germany for enhancing auto cluster near Ahmedabad. The Network of Automotive Excellence has identified Gujarat in India as one of the automotive clusters to connect to the NoAE's project called 'From Ideas and Innovations to International Co-operation and Projects'.

"Innovation in auto sector is a big subject in the European market. The Network of Automotive Excellence is an inter-company initiative that aims at strengthening the competitiveness of the European automotive industry. Hence, Global Network will be organising an automotive, aerospace and transport delegation to Germany to take part in the 'Fifth International Project Day' in Dusseldorf on April 17 and 18, 2012," said Jagat Shah, founder and mentor of Global Network and Cluster Pulse.

The 20 member delegation of the auto industry will comprise some of the major automobile manufacturers, apart from around 10 auto components manufacturing firms from Gujarat. "Gujarat is chosen as an invitee to the event in Dusseldorf due to the emerging automotive cluster coming up in the state with players like Ford, General Motors, Tata Motors, Peugeot and Suzuki," said Herbert Koepplinger, CEO of Network of Automotive Excellence (NoAE).

According to Shah, a delegation visit was decided at a recent meeting between The International Relations Council of the German Outsourcing Association and Global Network. "The delegation will look to pitch Gujarat as an investment destination. Moreover, as part of enhancing the auto cluster near Ahmedabad, meetings and innovation sharing sessions will be organised between Indian and EU companies leading to actual partnerships and projects. The event is supported by Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, Govt of Germany," Shah added.

The partners to earlier projects with NoAE were Canada, Netherland, Austria, USA, Japan, China, Israel, Spain, Switzerland, Czech and Romania. Focus areas will be high speed trains, battery technology, heating and cooling systems, light weight new materials construction, safety in automotive sector and integrated mobility.

What's more, participating companies are Airbus, Audi, Boeing, Bombardier, DLR, FORD, GM/Opel, Hoerbiger, Johnson Controls, MAGNA, Lufthansa, Porsche, Renault, Robert Bosch, Siemens, Skoda, Telekom Lux, VALEO, Volkswagen.

The German Outsourcing Association represents the interests of outsourcing organizations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and beyond. The association initiates, supports and accompanies the knowledge transfer. Furthermore it provides platforms and services to allocate and disseminate relevant information and to support a vital exchange between all marked attendees.

Meanwhile, the International Relations Council is responsible for handling and maintaining international partnerships and co-operation with the German Outsourcing Association. The council is an international network of independent organizations related to the field of outsourcing and the service industry.

"The council provides information about the German, Austrian and Swiss market for outsourcing services and is point of contact for questions and requests concerning outsourcing destinations," said Shah.