The second panel in the Canadian Centre for German and European Studies’ Automobility series entitled “The Changing Political Economy of the Global Automobile Industry” and took place  on Monday, January 24th from 4:30-6:30 PM on the 7th floor of the York Research Tower (building #95 on the map here). The panelwas  co-presented with the Schulich School of Business’ International Business Program and was  moderated by Prof. Bernie Wolf, (CCGES Affiliate, Schulich). Panelists include:

• Prof. Greg Chin, Political Science, York University and author of China’s Automotive Modernization: The Party-State and Multinational Corporations
• Scott E. Paradise, VP Marketing and Business Development, Magna International
• Jim Stanford, Economist, Canadian Autoworkers Union – to listen to a streaming file of Mr. Stanford’s presentation, click here.

The panel will focus on the world automotive and light truck manufacturers in the wake of the global financial crisis that hit the industry with particular force. In North America, General Motors and Chrysler were forced into bankruptcy. While the United States, Canadian and Ontario governments stepped into become majority owners of GM, management of Chrysler was assumed by Italian-based auto maker Fiat.  In Europe, meanwhile, governments stepped in with incentives to keep consumer demand up and the largest German automaker, Volkswagen, began producing vehicles in North America for the first time since the 1970’s. The same period saw China grow into the world’s largest auto market with sales of 18 million vehicles, an increase of 32% over 2009.  The panel will explore these and other developments as well as their ramifications for the global auto manufacturing sector.

This event is open to all and light refreshments will be served.

Attendees are asked to register in advance at ccges@yorku.ca