GM CEO to Open the 2011 Washington Auto Show

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid the highly-anticipated revitalization of General Motors, Dan Akerson, the company's recently-appointed CEO, will keynote The Washington Auto Show®.

As General Motors aims for sustained profitability and market success with critical new products like the Buick Regal, Chevrolet Cruze and the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle, the man at the center of the action is Akerson, who was elected CEO of General Motors Company on Aug. 11, 2010.

"GM will always be one of America's iconic companies, and we will hear firsthand from Akerson how this automaker is coming back stronger than ever," said Charles Stringfellow, CEO of Brown's Automotive and Washington Auto Show chairman.

Akerson's keynote address, sponsored by the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA) and the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA), on Jan. 27 will kick off Public Policy Day at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Advancing the 10-day public show, Public Policy Day will feature a lineup of press announcements and special preview opportunities and culminate in a "Sneak Peek" reception for government and media officials to witness the latest advances in the automotive industry.

Known as the automotive industry's "public policy" show for its convergence of public policy makers with industry innovators, The Washington Auto Show has become a premiere stage for showcasing the most critical news and innovations.

"There are few better venues than the Washington Auto Show to talk about how a strong automotive industry and U.S. manufacturing base benefit the nation's long-term economic strength and global competitiveness," said Akerson.  

The Washington Auto Show keynote address is traditionally opened by leadership of major automobile manufacturers. Past speakers have included such luminaries as DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche, Volkswagen CEO Stefan Jacoby and Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford.

A member of the GM board of directors, Akerson was managing director of The Carlyle Group and the head of global buyout, serving on the firm's executive committee. Akerson is a seasoned executive with extensive operating and management experience, having served as chairman, chief executive officer, or president of several major companies, including General Instrument, MCI, Nextel, and XO Communications.

Akerson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1970 with a bachelor of science in engineering. He earned his M.Sc. in economics from the London School of Economics.

The 2011 show opens to the public from Jan. 28-Feb. 6 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and is produced by WANADA.

This 69th edition of The Washington Auto Show offers a showcase of more than 700 vehicles from over 42 domestic and import manufacturers and a special 65,000-square foot exhibit, "The Advanced Technology SuperHighway" of the latest technologies in safety and sustainability.

Founded in 1917, WANADA represents more than 225 franchised new vehicle dealers and 75 kindred-line members (related vendors) in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland.

For more information about The Washington Auto Show, visit: www.washingtonautoshow.com.

SOURCE The Washington Auto Show