Motor industry experts gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry

Sunderland, UK, August 28 -- Leading international motor industry experts will once again gather in Sunderland from October 15-16 to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

The sixth International Automotive Conference (IAC) 2003 will address the major issues facing the global automotive industry in today's difficult market. It will score with the participation of senior representatives from many of the world's top automotive organizations including Renault-Nissan, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK, Toyota, Delphi Automotive Systems and Visteon.

Organized by Advanstar Communications in partnership with the City of Sunderland, this year's conference will offer an unrivaled opportunity to hear senior executives from automakers and tier suppliers. They will introduce their latest programs and strategies, and increase the knowledge base in key international aspects of the automotive industry. Exciting new developments will be unveiled and case studies presented in crucial areas of automotive technology and business: R&D, safety, interior design, world class manufacturing and personalization - the features that will drive vehicle sales in the next decade.

IAC 2003's new format will allow delegates to interact with top figures in the automotive world. After each keynote speaker, panel discussions will give participants the chance to be part of a lively debate on issues concerning the industry. Visits to Nissan and TRW plants have been organized, enabling attendees to experience automotive manufacturing and supply first hand.

The diverse range of speakers and panelists that will discuss the conference theme, 'Towards the value-added automobile' include:

* Colin Dodge, Managing Director, NISSAN Motor Manufacturing UK
* Odile Desforges (invited), Senior VP, Supplier Relations, RENAULT-NISSAN
* Ian Callum (invited), Director of Design, JAGUAR CARS
* Bill Eagen, Purchasing Director, DELPHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS 
* Guy Morris, Senior Manager, Powertrain Systems, VISTEON
* Roy Grelland, Product Manager TPMS, SENSONOR
* Hugh Blaxill, Chief Engineer, R&D, COSWORTH Technology
* Damien Harty, Chief Engineer, PRODRIVE
* Andrew Little, Marketing Director NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGIES
* Carl Wacker, VP Marketing & Sales, SCHRADER
* David Gorshkov, VP Operations, AXEON
* Ross McOuat, Europe Operations Manager, MOTOROLA
* Neil Ridley, Director, ARUP

Held at the University of Sunderland during the 15 and 16 of October, IAC 2003 is a valuable opportunity to discuss and learn during the conference sessions as well as to catch up with industry peers and forge new alliances during supporting events. These include: welcoming cocktail reception with football match at the Stadium of Light, conference coffee breaks and lunches at selective venues; and exquisite gala dinner at Ramside Hall.

IAC 2003 counts with the support of TRW as premier sponsor, as well as other sponsors such as Schrader Electronics, SensoNor, and Tyne and Wear Development Corp.

For more information, please visit http://www.iacsunderland.com/