Suppliers to the automotive industry are challenged to take on and develop their logistics capabilities

London, July 29 -- Now more than ever suppliers to the automotive industry are challenged to take on and develop capabilities to deliver reliable and cost-effective supply networks. Autologistics Global 2003 will focus on how suppliers are taking action to meet the challenges of the new automotive world, says Alexis Nolan, Editor, Automotive Logistics. Suppliers are having to cope with increasingly complex and challenging international networks while maintaining and improving their performance.

One of the most important changes in recent years for the automotive industry is the increased responsibility that carmakers are passing on to Tier 1 suppliers. With this responsibility comes the need for suppliers to respond to the challenges of cost pressures, globalisation and lean manufacturing. Logistics is an important factor in all of these matters.

At Autologistics Global 2003 senior logistics executives from suppliers will have their own session as well as participate in sessions on information technology, globalisation, order-to-delivery, new markets, and lean manufacturing.

Some of Autologistics Global confirmed speakers and panellists are:
- Brad Ross, Executive in charge of Order to Delivery, GENERAL MOTORS 
- Dave Hodgson, VP Worldwide Supply Operations, DAIMLERCHRYSLER 
- Frederiek Toney, Director N. A. Parts Supply & Logistics, FORD
- Glenn Uminger, Ass. General Manager, Business Mgmnt & Logistics, Production
Control, TOYOTA 
- Hermann Krog, Executive Director Logistics, AUDI 
- Joe Hinrichs, Executive Director Material Planning & Logistics, FORD 
- Dave Otey, Jr, Director -Supply Chain Planning, MARK IV AUTOMOTIVE 
- Jim Para, IT Director, VECTOR SCM
- Joe Bennett, Director Supply Chain, L&L PRODUCTS
- Rick Johnson, Executive Director, Manufacturing & SCS, JOHNSON CONTROLS 
- Victor Giardini, Director, Supply Chain & Materials Management, ARVINMERITOR 
- Wes Johnson, Director, Customer Logistics & Planning, ROBERT BOSCH 
- Brian Hancock, General Manager, SCHNEIDER LOGISTICS 
- John Williford, President, MENLO LOGISTICS 
- Mark Wheeler, General Manager, Business Development, TRANSFREIGHT 
- Tom Jones, Senior VP Automotive, RYDER

(Visit http://www.autologisticsglobal.com/ for a full speakers and panellists' list)

For the fourth year Autologistics Global participants will share their knowledge and experiences in the search for the best global solutions. These are some Autologistics' participants' comments:

"For three years I have regularly taken part in the Autologistics Global Conference. The conference combines automotive logistics topics of the OEMs, suppliers, logistical companies and providers in a unique way. Thereby I have a great possibility to exchange experiences first hand and discuss logistical future trends. Automotive logistics is internationally orientated and enables an excellent global networking. I am looking forward to joining the 4th Automotive Logistics conference." Dr E H Krog, Audi AG

"I have found this conference to be very valuable in gaining a quick understanding of changes and trends in Auto Industry Logistics as many auto companies and logistics partners from around the world are present. I have a particular interest in how the logistics role is evolving as a part of the total production chain." Glenn Uminger, Toyota

"Ryder is proud to once again be the premier sponsor of the 4th annual Autologistics Global 2003 Conference, a leading event in the automotive industry. This is an exciting opportunity to meet with peers, forge new alliances and debate the pressing issues affecting the future of the automotive business world, an industry we have served for more than 20 years." Tom Jones, Ryder

The unrivalled speaker line-up, together with the experience and quality of Automotive Logistics magazine, is what makes our Autologistics conferences unique in the marketplace.

Autologistics Global 2003 is the perfect event to meet with peers, forge new alliances and debate the pressing issues affecting the future of the automotive business world. It will be held on 30 September-1 October at The Townsend Hotel, Birmingham, MI, USA.

The premier sponsor of Autologistics Global 2003 is Ryder. Other sponsors include Schneider Logistics, Trenstar, G-Log and Viewlocity.

The only automotive logistics conference run by the automotive logistics experts

For more information regarding Automotive Logistics and Autologistics Global, please contact Louis Yiakoumi on +44 (0) 20 8987 0944 or via al@advanstar.com or to register attendance visit http://www.autologisticsglobal.com/