Automotive, Government Leaders Share Vision for Future of Auto Industry at 2013 CAR Management Briefing Seminars

ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Automotive decision-makers will discuss the state of the industry and the challenge presented in striking a balance between meeting consumer demands and government regulations at the 48^th annual Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars (MBS). The premier North American automotive conference will take place Aug. 5–8 in Traverse City, MI.

More than 1,000 automotive industry stakeholders are expected to attend the conference to discuss a variety of topics, including "Mobility, Profitability, Sustainability." The conference covers the breadth of the industry with 10 topical seminars focused on global manufacturing strategies, lightweighting, connected and autonomous vehicles, powertrain developments, sales forecasting, purchasing, policy, designing for technology, and capital investment.

Automotive Strategy

CAR President and CEO, Dr. Jay Baron, and Dr. Sean McAlinden, CAR Executive Vice President of Research and Chief Economist, will chair the Automotive Strategy sessions on the mornings of Wednesday and Thursday, August 7 and 8. Annually a focal point for CAR MBS, the Automotive Strategy sessions include government leadership and senior executives from vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.  

"The expertise provided at CAR MBS and the renowned networking opportunities offer stakeholders necessary context and connections to grow in the industry," said Baron, "The Automotive Strategy sessions in particular are a forum for industry leaders to discuss the challenge in developing business strategies that blend long-term profitability and growth with sustainability."

Speakers for Wednesday's Automotive Strategy session include:

• Governor Rick Snyder, State of Michigan
• Jacqui Dedo, Chief Strategy Officer, Dana Holding Corporation
• Bill Krueger, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Production Engineering and Supply Chain Management, Nissan Americas
• Rick Schostek, Senior Vice President, Honda North America, Inc. and Honda North America Services, LLC
• Jan Spies, Head, Factory Planning, Volkswagen AG
• James Tetreault, Vice President, North America Manufacturing, Ford Motor Company

Speakers for Thursday's Automotive Strategy session include:

• Governor Jay Nixon, State of Missouri
• Daniel Ammann, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, General Motors
• Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America
• Phil Martens, President & CEO, Novelis, Inc.
• Doug Rothwell, President & CEO, Business Leaders for Michigan

New This Year
Thursday Closing Session: From the Racetrack to Product Development and the Dealership: How Racing Can Drive the Product

CAR MBS will bring together a winning closing panel to discuss how racing can drive product development. Featuring speakers from vehicle manufacturers and supplier race programs, the panel will give insight on how lessons learned on the track are translated into the consumer vehicle—a "Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday" business strategy.

For detailed information, visit the event's website at www.cargroup.org/mbs. Media representatives may register at no charge via the CAR MBS website. All media registrations are subject to approval.  Follow #MBS2013 on Twitter for the latest conference updates, sponsored by Plex Systems.

The Center for Automotive Research is a non-profit organization based in Ann Arbor, MI. Its mission is to conduct research on significant issues related to the future direction of the global automotive industry, organize and conduct forums of value to the automotive community and foster industry relationships. For more information, visit the CAR website: www.cargroup.org.

SOURCE Center for Automotive Research