Top Political Speakers Headline 25th Annual Automotive Congress May 21-22

WASHINGTON, May 2 -- The 25th annual American International Automotive Congress, the largest grassroots-lobbying event in the automotive industry, will be held May 21-22 at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, DC. Sponsored by the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA), the Automotive Congress brings together more than 600 dealers and industry executives for two days of issues briefings and speeches by political leaders, culminating in meetings with members of Congress.

Highlighting this year's event, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and noted consumer advocate Ralph Nader will square off, offering differing perspectives on a variety of issues from their respective conservative and liberal viewpoints during Tuesday's Super Session. Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) will also address attendees during the session.

Top political pundits Charlie Cook, editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report and Stuart Rothenberg, editor and publisher of The Rothenberg Political Report, will discuss the upcoming elections during Tuesday's Grassroots Leadership Forum. Rep. David Dreier (R-CA), former Rep. Jack Kemp and Newsweek economist Robert Samuelson will share their unique perspectives during Wednesday's Super Session.

The All-Star Dealer Awards, sponsored by Newsweek and The Washington Post, will honor civic volunteerism and charitable giving by automobile dealers. Legendary football coach Don Shula will be the keynote speaker at this gala event on Tuesday evening.

Dealers will head to Capitol Hill on Wednesday afternoon, where they will gather with colleagues from their state or home district to meet with their members of Congress and make their voices heard on key industry issues, including permanent repeal of the death tax and automotive trade. For more information or to register, call 1-800-GO-AIADA.

About AIADA

AIADA is the lobbying and communications force in Washington, D.C. for the 10,000 American automobile dealerships that sell and service international nameplate brands Acura, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Daewoo, Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Saab, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. These retailers have a positive economic impact both nationally and in the local communities they serve, providing for more than 420,000 American jobs.

The competitive market fueled by the international automobile has produced safer, more fuel-efficient vehicles with greater quality, value and a multitude of features that benefit the American consumer. As a result, U.S. consumers enjoy the freedom to choose from among a wide array of vehicles to meet their transportation needs. Visit AIADA online at http://www.aiada.org .

Editors Note:Watch for updated reports from our co-publisher who will be attending the conference.<p>