Under the mandate of the Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade (MDEIE), ITAQ led a technical-economic mission to the 25th Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS) held in Shenzhen, China, November 5-9, 2010.

«Since Quebec's greatest challenge is competitiveness on the international level, this mission sends a clear message: by focusing on innovation, more than ever before, Quebec is now determined to become a serious international player in the race to develop electric vehicles,« announced engineer Hugo Marsolais, ITAQ operations director and coordinator of this mission.

The EVS is the international event for all hybrid and electric technology players, attended by the industrial, government, and research sectors. With 45,000 m2 of exhibition space and hundreds of electric vehicles on display, including more than 60 Chinese electric buses, this exhibition was by far the largest ever held.

«EVS-25 was impressive! It showed off China's resolute commitment to transition to environmentally friendly transport,« Marsolais observed.

With its strategic location, the Canadian pavilion had excellent exposure. The Quebec-ITAQ and TM4 kiosks were very well situated, just opposite BYD, the most advanced Chinese manufacturer in terms of marketing electric vehicles.

China became the largest market and largest producer of automobiles in the world in 2009, with production and annual sales of almost 14 million vehicles.

Following the commitment and support of the central government, the 10 largest Chinese automobile manufacturers formed the Union of Electric Vehicle Producers, and have set the goal of having alternative energy vehicles represent 30% of total vehicle production by the end of 2015.¹

Therefore, Quebec must position itself now and initiate business relationships that will be beneficial for both Quebec and Canada.

Quebec was by far the largest contingent among the Canadian delegation. Overall, 16 individuals from private companies such as TM4, MEP Technologies, Précicad, Show Canada, and LITO Green Motion, research centres such as the IREQ and ITAQ, as well as the CNTA, all had very fruitful exchanges with Chinese and international companies.

All participants said that they were extremely satisfied both with the organization and with the companies they met in Shenzhen. Participants benefited from a wide range of assistance provided by ITAQ, the MDEIE and especially the Canadian Consulate General in Guangzhou for interpreting services, reservation of exhibition space, creation of communication tools, and the organization of visits with Chinese companies.

"Thank you for the excellent organization of the mission, a great team, great meetings, and certainly a strong return on investment," said Jean-Pierre Legris of LITO Green Motion with enthusiasm.

Additionally, the participants benefited from on-site technical support from ITAQ. "We assisted our customers in their technological monitoring process, especially in terms of advanced engines and recharging infrastructures," noted Bruno Pilon, electrical engineer at ITAQ and coach for the delegation.

All involved said the mission was a success. It helped develop many business connections and affirmed the entrepreneurs' technological choices. ITAQ is already working on the next mission – EVS-26: an appointment in May 2012 in California not to be missed! Click here if you want to add yourself to our list of interested persons.

¹ Source: Canadian Consulate General in Guangzhou, China