National Press Release

DETROIT, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The economic impact of the recession, fluctuating gasoline prices, and changing consumer demand for more fuel efficient, environmentally-friendly vehicles will be the focus of a panel discussion among experts at the annual Inforum NAIAS Auto Show Breakfast on Wednesday, January 14. In addition, R.L. Polk & Co. will release new data on the loyalty of customers who purchase hybrid vehicles.

Titled "Recession Defense: Smart Vehicle Choices," the breakfast is presented by Inforum, one of the largest and most prestigious professional organizations for women in the Midwest. Industry leaders will reflect on factors that influence how consumers can balance making smart, safe and sustainable automotive choices.

The panelists will discuss critical issues that impact Michigan businesses. "Rebecca Lindland is from IHS Global Insight, one of the most respected economic forecasting firms in the world. She'll share an overall economic outlook -- such as when will the economy turn around and create a more favorable environment for the automakers to sell vehicles, and which manufacturers may be the survivors of the current crisis," Barclay said.

Gary Allgeier is on the front lines of the auto financing scene for one of the largest dealer groups in the country, the Suburban Collection. "He'll talk about whether given the credit crunch it is still possible to get loans or lease a vehicle. People's perceptions are that they can't get financing, but that isn't true...he will give us his take on who the players are and will be," Barclay said.

The presenters also will highlight 'must see' vehicles with the latest technologies for fuel efficiency and safety that are available in dealerships today.

The members of Inforum represent the largest consumer market for automobiles, since women are the financial decision-makers in most American households.

"Women's purchasing power dominates many products and services. Today women purchase more than 80 percent of all vehicle purchases. It is estimated that by 2012, women will buy nearly seven million new vehicles each year," according to Barclay.

"Consumers remain concerned about the environmental impact of a vehicle and its manufacturer, but that concern has taken a backseat to the consumer's pocketbook. Value, affordability and the availability of financing have come to the forefront for consumers in the past six months," said Inforum President and CEO Terry Barclay.

Panelist Beth Lowery, General Motors vice president, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy, said, "Many people do not realize how many outstanding vehicles GM makes right now that get over 30 miles per gallon on the highway. And many of GM's vehicles can help reduce petroleum use as they can use biofuels, such as E85."

Panelist Sue Cischke, Ford Motor Company group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, said, "We remain committed to ensuring that we will either be the best or among the best in fuel economy in every new vehicle we introduce. That is how we will satisfy customers and address the twin challenges of energy security and climate change."

BASF is the presenting sponsor of the Inforum NAIAS Auto Show Breakfast.

Barclay noted, "We're pleased that for the second year running, BASF has chosen to be the signature sponsor of Inforum's NAIAS Auto Show Breakfast. BASF's commitment to sustainable development and innovative technology is illustrated by how they combine business success, environmental protection and social responsibility. For example," she said, "one of BASF's sustainable technologies, from its world class Catalysts Division, has eliminated a billion tons of air pollution since the mid 1970s."

BASF is the world's largest chemical company, and one of the largest suppliers to the automotive industry.

"Many BASF contributions to sustainability are found right here in Detroit. BASF is a major supplier to the automotive industry in the areas of automotive coatings; catalyst technologies; plastics and polyurethanes for automotive seating, interiors, exteriors, drive chain and chassis; automotive textiles; and fuel additives, to name a few."

    Inforum 2009 NAIAS Auto Show Breakfast Summary

    Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2009

    Time: 7 a.m. Networking/Registration; 7:30 a.m. Hot Breakfast; 8 a.m.
          Presentation

    Location: Detroit Marriott - Renaissance Center, Columbus Ballroom,
              Detroit MI 48243

    Tickets: Member, $45; Non-Member, $60 (Add $10 after Jan. 11, 2009)
             Tables of 10 may be purchased for $525, which includes special
             recognition and reserved seating at the event.

    Register at www.inforummichigan.org or 877.633.3500.

    PANELISTS:

    * Gary Allgeier, Director of Financial Services, Suburban Collection

    * Sue Cischke, Group Vice President, Sustainability, Environment & Safety
      Engineering, Ford Motor Company

    * Rebecca Lindland, Director of Industry Research, IHS Global Insight

    * Lonnie Miller, Director of Industry Analysis, R.L. Polk & Co.

    * Beth Lowery, Vice President, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy,
      General Motors

    * Matt Roush, Technology Editor, Great Lakes IT Report, WWJ


    Moderator: Michelle Krebs, Senior Editor, Edmunds.com.

The Inforum NAIAS Auto Show Breakfast is presented by Inforum, a professional organization with the mission to strengthen the business environment by creating opportunities for women to lead and succeed. Founded as the Women's Economic Club in 1962 in Detroit, Inforum now has more than 2,000 members and offices in Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing, Mich. For more information, visit www.inforummichigan.org or call 877.633.3500.

    Exclusive radio sponsor: WWJ 950 Newsradio.

    Promotional partners for this event:

    * Automation Alley

    * International Association of Business Communicators-Detroit Chapter

    * Public Relations Society of America-Detroit Chapter

    * SAE - Detroit Section

    * Society of Women Engineers

SOURCE Inforum