Dieter Zetsche to Deliver MPG Keynote Speech to Open Media Days at 2003 L.A. Auto Show

Monday September 16, 11:00 am ET

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16 -- In just two years, Chrysler Group President and CEO Dieter Zetsche has plotted a prosperous direction for the once troubled company. Yet, he's just warming up. Zetsche will provide journalists a look into the future of the brand and the automobile industry when he gives his keynote address during the Motor Press Guild Luncheon on Jan. 2, to kick-off the first of two Media Days at the 2003 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. Zetsche arrived at Chrysler at the behest of DaimlerChrysler Chairman Juergen Schrempp, where he was confronted with a myriad of pressing issues, but has managed to steer a new course that has taken Chrysler to profitability. Now, Zetsche is focusing his attention toward developing high quality and appealing products for the marketplace.

"Dieter Zetsche has accomplished what many observers said he couldn't," said Ben Stewart, president of MPG and west coast editor of Popular Mechanics. "He arrived at a highly volatile time in the company's history and has systematically turned the company a full 180 degrees toward a much brighter future. MPG members and visitors will be anxious to hear what's next in his playbook."

Prior to assuming his current position at Chrysler Group, Zetsche was a member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler in charge of the commercial vehicle division. Prior to that, he was responsible for worldwide brand management for the Mercedes-Benz and Smart brands, as well as sales of all brands in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australian/Pacific. He joined the research division of Daimler-Benz in 1976 after graduating with an engineering degree from the University of Karlsruhe in Germany.

Southern California-based MPG, the largest association of automotive journalists and public relations professionals in the country, will host the luncheon, which is open to all registered Media Days participants. Previous MPG keynote speakers have been Wolfgang Reitzle and Bob Lutz.

Five manufacturer news conferences will follow the MPG Luncheon and Keynote on the abbreviated day, due to holiday travel, with a full day scheduled for Friday, Jan. 3. For additional information on the MPG program and L.A. Auto Show, please contact VL Communications at 714-825-1999 or via email at barry@VLcomm.com.