National Press Release

ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The automotive industry has been on the forefront of the national news over the past several months with its contraction, bankruptcy filings, slowdown in sales and leadership changes. Virtually no manufacturer has been immune from the major downturn in worldwide sales, and the future of the industry is difficult to predict. Several key automaker leaders will address attendees at this year's CAR Management Briefing Seminars, Aug. 4-7, the automotive industry's traditional summer event that focuses on the industry's future.

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OEM leaders who will address the Automotive session, "Today's Turmoil: A Foundation for Success" chaired by David E. Cole, CAR's chairman, include: Lewis Booth, Chief Financial Officer, Ford Motor Co. and Tom Stephens, Vice Chairman, Global Product Development, General Motors Corp. Akio Toyoda, the newly announced president of Toyota Motor Corp., has been invited to provide the keynote address on Aug. 5.

"The successful companies of tomorrow are those that are collaborative, adaptive, opportunistic and future-focused. This year's conference will again offer industry stakeholders a vision of what the future may bring," said Cole.

To address the unprecedented role of the government in the industry, Sean McAlinden, CAR's executive vice president of research and chief economist, is assembling a panel, "The Beneficent Hand? The New Role of Government in the Global Auto Industry." Speakers on the panel include: Linda Hasenfratz, Chief Executive Officer, Linamar Corp. and Chairperson, Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA); Rod Lache, Director, North America Equity Research, Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.; Ken Lewenza, National President, Canadian Auto Workers; and Dave McCurdy, President & CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

Manufacturing, public policy, innovation and financial challenges are other seminar topics offered throughout the week. The annual Advanced Powertrain Forum is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7.

The CAR Management Briefing Seminars take place annually at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, in Traverse City, Mich.

An up-to-date listing of speakers and sessions is available on CAR's Web site: mbs.cargroup.org. For more information regarding MBS, contact the Center for Automotive Research at (734) 662-1287 or visit the Web site. Media representatives may attend at no charge, subject to approval.

The Management Briefing Seminars have been in existence for more than 40 years. Attendees participate in targeted sessions, senior-level executive panels and highly valued networking opportunities.

The Center for Automotive Research is a nonprofit organization based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Its mission is to conduct research on significant issues related to the future direction of the global automotive industry, as well as organize and conduct forums of value to the automotive community.

SOURCE Center for Automotive Research