DETROIT, Jan. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA)
will present its 16th annual Automotive Outlook Conference Tuesday, January 6,
2004 in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
The theme of this year's conference is "The Customer's in the Driver's Seat."
Jay Alix, founder of AlixPartners, LLC, will deliver the conference's
lunchtime keynote address. His comments on "Turnaround Strategies for the
Automotive Supplier" will complement the four panels of analysts, executives
and economists that make up the day's events. His comments are expected to
address consolidation, pricing pressure, weak suppliers, today's market, and
the need to be proactive.
AlixPartners is an internationally recognized firm of corporate
performance improvement, turnaround and financial advisory professionals.
Alix is also co-founder, Principal and Managing General Partner of Questor
Partners Funds, a turnaround buyout fund focused on investing in
underperforming and distressed companies.
The theme of this year's conference was borne out of the question: "Has
the automotive consumer ever had it better?" Exciting new products and
features are proliferating, sourced around the world. Vehicle quality and
reliability are improving continually, beyond already unprecedented levels.
Real prices are declining as manufacturers strive to utilize capacity that, on
an industry-wide basis, far exceeds aggregate global demand (and is still
growing). And, thanks to the Internet, shoppers are more knowledgeable than
ever before as they traverse the purchase/lease process.
What's wrong with this picture? A near-paradise for consumers is a
paradox for automakers, suppliers and investors, all of whom are confronted
with enormous challenges.
Four groups of experts will examine the issues that have created this
paradox and what lies ahead for the world's automakers and suppliers. They'll
be sharing their opinions and expertise with conference attendees on
January 6th.
The conference will include four panels with multiple speakers in each:
* Wall Street's Outlook -- Scott Sprinzen of Standard & Poor's, and John
Casesa of Merrill Lynch will provide a broad overview of the health of today's
automotive industry, then outline what it takes to succeed in the present
environment. They will also offer their perspectives on the creditworthiness
of the automakers.
* Incentives -- A trio of auto experts will address the record-high
levels of spending of domestic auto manufacturers on incentives while their
market shares drop to a historic low. The result is that costly sales
incentives are great for consumers, but have eaten away at profit margins by
several thousand dollars per vehicle. Panelists: Jeremy Anwyl, president of
Edmunds.com ; Paul Ballew, executive director of Market & Industry Analysis at
General Motors Corporation; and Paul Eisenstein of The Detroit Bureau, and
publisher and editorial director of TheCarConnection.
* The US Big Three Economists' Annual Reports -- a perennial favorite
featuring chief economists rolling out their assessments and projections for
the automotive industry in 2004 and beyond. Ellen Hughes-Cromwick of Ford
Motor Company, Van Jolissaint of DaimlerChrysler, and Mustafa Mohatarem of
General Motors Corporation.
* Strategic Outsourcing -- John Knappenberger of Dura Automotive and
Dermot Shorten of Booz Allen Hamilton will discuss why outsourcing results
have oftentimes not met expectations. The identification and management of
organizational complexities, total cost analyses, risk assumptions and other
market and corporate dynamics all contribute to outsourcing's financial
returns. The panelists will examine the industry's progress to date, and
address alternative strategies going forward to improve the return to all
forms of outsourcing.
Each of the panel discussions will provide ample time for audience
dialogue with the speakers via Q&A -- always among the highlights of the
conference. Attendees will hear candid opinions and analysis from some of the
industry's most respected authorities. They also will have the opportunity to
interact with colleagues to share experiences, ideas and solutions.
Recently added to this year's line-up of speakers is auto veteran Bill
Hampton, editor and publisher of AutoBeat Daily. Hampton will give an
overview of "What's New on the Show Floor" at the 2004 NAIAS at Cobo Center.
Sponsoring organizations will staff exhibit booths in the refreshment
break area and provide detailed information on their respective products and
services. Sponsors include:
* BankOne
* CIT Equipment Finance
* CSM Worldwide
* Honda North America
* McKinsey & Company
* Power Systems Research
* Standard Federal Bank
* WWJ NewsRadio 950 along with AutoBeat Daily and AutoTech Daily.
The conference will be held at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in
downtown Detroit; hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. Complimentary shuttle
service is provided by NAIAS between the Marriott and Cobo Center where the
auto show is staged.
Each registrant can enjoy a sneak preview of the latest products at the
NAIAS with an exclusive SAA Analyst Pass, valid during Press Week, January 4 -
8.
For additional information, contact SAA headquarters at 800/704-0051;
fax 734/677-2407; e-mail to info@cybersaa.org , or visit the SAA website at
http://www.cybersaa.org which includes on-line registration.
The Society of Automotive Analysts is dedicated to providing outstanding
educational programs and superior networking opportunities to its members.
SAA offers conferences, programs, its website and other forums in which to
discuss, debate, and learn about a broad variety of subjects and timely
industry issues.
SOURCE Society of Automotive Analysts
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.cybersaa.org
CONTACT:
SAA Headquarters, +1-800-704-0051
|
