Society of Automotive Analysts Announces Jay Alix as Keynoter, Plus Panelists for its 2004 Automotive Outlook Conference

DETROIT, Dec. 22, 2003 -- The Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA) will present its 16th annual Automotive Outlook Conference Tuesday, January 6, 2004 in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The theme of this year's conference is "The Customer's in the Driver's Seat."

Jay Alix, founder of AlixPartners, LLC, will deliver the conference's lunchtime keynote address. His comments on "Turnaround Strategies for the Automotive Supplier" will complement the four panels of analysts, executives and economists that make up the day's events. His comments are expected to address consolidation, pricing pressure, weak suppliers, today's market, and the need to be proactive.

AlixPartners is an internationally recognized firm of corporate performance improvement, turnaround and financial advisory professionals. Alix is also co-founder, Principal and Managing General Partner of Questor Partners Funds, a turnaround buyout fund focused on investing in underperforming and distressed companies.

The theme of this year's conference was borne out of the question: "Has the automotive consumer ever had it better?" Exciting new products and features are proliferating, sourced around the world. Vehicle quality and reliability are improving continually, beyond already unprecedented levels. Real prices are declining as manufacturers strive to utilize capacity that, on an industry-wide basis, far exceeds aggregate global demand (and is still growing). And, thanks to the Internet, shoppers are more knowledgeable than ever before as they traverse the purchase/lease process.

What's wrong with this picture? A near-paradise for consumers is a paradox for automakers, suppliers and investors, all of whom are confronted with enormous challenges.

Four groups of experts will examine the issues that have created this paradox and what lies ahead for the world's automakers and suppliers. They'll be sharing their opinions and expertise with conference attendees on January 6th.

The conference will include four panels with multiple speakers in each:

* Wall Street's Outlook - Scott Sprinzen of Standard & Poor's, and John Casesa of Merrill Lynch will provide a broad overview of the health of today's automotive industry, then outline what it takes to succeed in the present environment. They will also offer their perspectives on the creditworthiness of the automakers.

* Incentives - A trio of auto experts will address the record-high levels of spending of domestic auto manufacturers on incentives while their market shares drop to a historic low. The result is that costly sales incentives are great for consumers, but have eaten away at profit margins by several thousand dollars per vehicle. Panelists: Jeremy Anwyl, president of Edmunds.com; Paul Ballew, executive director of Market & Industry Analysis at General Motors Corporation; and Paul Eisenstein of The Detroit Bureau, and publisher and editorial director of TheCarConnection.

* The US Big Three Economists' Annual Reports - a perennial favorite featuring chief economists rolling out their assessments and projections for the automotive industry in 2004 and beyond. Ellen Hughes-Cromwick of Ford Motor Company, Van Jolissaint of DaimlerChrysler, and Mustafa Mohatarem of General Motors Corporation.

* Strategic Outsourcing - John Knappenberger of Dura Automotive and Dermot Shorten of Booz Allen Hamilton will discuss why outsourcing results have oftentimes not met expectations. The identification and management of organizational complexities, total cost analyses, risk assumptions and other market and corporate dynamics all contribute to outsourcing's financial returns. The panelists will examine the industry's progress to date, and address alternative strategies going forward to improve the return to all forms of outsourcing.

Each of the panel discussions will provide ample time for audience dialogue with the speakers via Q&A -- always among the highlights of the conference. Attendees will hear candid opinions and analysis from some of the industry's most respected authorities. They also will have the opportunity to interact with colleagues to share experiences, ideas and solutions.

Recently added to this year's line-up of speakers is auto veteran Bill Hampton, editor and publisher of AutoBeat Daily. Hampton will give an overview of "What's New on the Show Floor" at the 2004 NAIAS at Cobo Center.

Sponsoring organizations will staff exhibit booths in the refreshment break area and provide detailed information on their respective products and services. Sponsors include:

  - BankOne
  - CIT Equipment Finance
  - CSM Worldwide
  - Honda North America
  - McKinsey & Company
  - Power Systems Research
  - Standard Federal Bank
  - WWJ NewsRadio 950 along with AutoBeat Daily and AutoTech Daily.

The conference will be held at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit; hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. Complimentary shuttle service is provided by NAIAS between the Marriott and Cobo Center where the auto show is staged.

Each registrant can enjoy a sneak preview of the latest products at the NAIAS with an exclusive SAA Analyst Pass, valid during Press Week, January 4 - 8.

For additional information, contact SAA headquarters at 800/704-0051; fax 734/677-2407; e-mail to info@cybersaa.org , or visit the SAA website at www.cybersaa.org which includes on-line registration.

The Society of Automotive Analysts is dedicated to providing outstanding educational programs and superior networking opportunities to its members. SAA offers conferences, programs, its website and other forums in which to discuss, debate, and learn about a broad variety of subjects and timely industry issues.