BMW’s Olaf Kastner to Deliver Keynote at CES Asia 2016

Hyunjoo Kang / Reporter / jjoo@olednet.com

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™ today announced that Olaf Kastner, president and CEO, BMW Group Region China, will deliver a keynote address at the upcoming CES Asia™ 2016, Asia’s premier technology event. Owned and produced by CTA, and co-produced by Intex Shanghai, the second annual CES Asia will run May 11-13, 2016 in Shanghai, China.

Kastner’s keynote will take place at 10 AM, Thursday, May 12 in the Kerry Hotel, Shanghai Ballrooms 2-3. He will illustrate BMW’s vision about a new eco-system for individual mobility, which is characterized by sustainability, connectivity and automated driving.

“BMW is a driving force in the automotive industry, combining cutting-edge engineering with the latest technology innovation that makes cars safer, more efficient and fun to drive,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association. “As a global automaker and champion of innovation, congratulations on a successful 100 years and we look forward to Olaf Kastner sharing BMW’s plans for the future.”

Olaf Kastner, president and CEO, BMW Group Region China, previously served as the president and CEO, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., China and the finance director for BMW (UK) Ltd. In 2014, Mr. Kastner was granted the National Friendship Award of China. Mr. Kastner holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Hamburg, Germany.

The relationship between technology and cars is reaching new heights and the latest in-vehicle innovations will be on display at CES Asia 2016, including advancements in driverless vehicles, connectivity and display technology. More than 25 automotive and vehicle technology companies will exhibit at the show, including Baidu, BMW, Cobra Electronics, Continental Automotive Holding, Mercedes-Benz, NavInfo, Peiker, Pioneer, Sogou Technology Development, OnStar/Chevrolet, TE Connectivity and Volvo.

“Today’s consumers want their cars to be as technologically innovative and integrated as the rest of their lives,” noted Shapiro. “Automotive companies recognize that CES Asia is a highly effective and visible platform to introduce their latest innovations into the Asian market and meet this growing demand.”

CES Asia will feature two vehicle technology conference sessions in the Kerry Hotel.

Breakthroughs in Autonomous Vehicles:  Features a panel discussion focused on the challenges associated with autonomous driving regulations in China.
Connected Car: Explores the profound impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on the driving experience. How do these new technologies affect the Asian marketplace and what automotive innovations can consumers look forward to?

Returning to Shanghai for its second year, CES Asia 2016 is expanding from two exhibit halls in 2015 to four with a show floor that will span 32,000 gross square meters (16,000 net square meters). Featuring more than 300 exhibiting companies , the entire global technology industry will be represented at CES Asia across 15 product categories from 3D printing and smart home to vehicle technology and wearables.