GlobalBusinessProfessor.com’s latest audio interview, “The China Automotive Aftermarket,” features Keith Lomason, China automotive aftermarket expert. In the nine-minute interview, Lomason describes the current state of the Chinese automotive aftermarket and provides insights into where he sees the opportunities for foreign companies. He also presents potential problems for Western companies seeking to do business in the Chinese aftermarket, and provides recommendations for companies exploring and/or entering the Chinese market.
Lomason says that, while the opportunities are different from other current markets, the challenges and excitement of working in the auto industry in China remain strong.
Lomason also noted that many companies recognize China as having one of the largest automotive industries in the world, but many don’t yet understand the opportunities coming at companies from aftermarket activities or the international ambitions of local companies being born out of domestic success.
As a Chinese linguist for the U.S. Marine Corps in the early 80s, Lomason developed an affinity and excitement for what was happening in China, and eventually found his way back in the mid-1990s. Since 1985, Lomason has been in the automotive industry, and has been working in China since 1996. Working his way through budgeting, quality, material control, shop floor management and general management positions between 1985 and 1995 in the U.S., Lomason was well-positioned to take the lead in establishing a 50/50 joint venture (JV) in 1996 and managing that JV through 2004. From 2004 to 2009, Lomason played an instrumental role as director of business development for Magna International, guiding all 10 product groups through their China market entry strategies. During the past seven years, Lomason spent time managing services and data companies, as well as providing consulting and the occasional recruiting service to both international automotive companies.
Lomason earned a Master of Business Administration at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and is a Certified Professional Coach through the Center for Coaching Certification (IFC approved). He also is a Certified Foreign Expert, PRC State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs.
Click here to listen to the audio interview.
