Society of Automotive Analysts Presents Garel Rhys and His Perspective On Global Auto Industry at March 9 Breakfast Meeting

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 19, 2004 -- Professor Garel Rhys, director of CAIR - the Center for Automotive Industry Research, Cardiff University, will present "The Automotive Industry in 2004 ... and Beyond: A Global Perspective," as guest speaker at the Society of Automotive Analysts' networking breakfast on Tuesday, March 9.

Professor Rhys will give an overview of the auto industry, present and future, along with his insights on the regional shifts in market opportunities, manufacturer success, and capital investment within Europe, North America and worldwide. His presentation will focus on issues and challenges for suppliers and OEMs. The breakfast will take place at the Westin Southfield Hotel starting at 7 a.m. with his presentation at 8 a.m.

Widely quoted, Professor Rhys holds the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Chair in Motor Industry Economics in the Cardiff Business School, University of Wales, and also heads the Economics Section in the school.

Craig Cather, president of SAA, notes: "Professor Rhys captivated attendees of the 2003 SAA Outlook Conference and we expect he'll present equally smart, tart and provocative commentary at this event."

CAIR, the leading academic center in Europe, studies the economic and strategic aspects of the world motor industry. CAIR adds intellectual capital to the sector through research for government and industry as well as through its teaching and publications. CAIR was established in 1991, jointly sponsored by the Cardiff Business School and the School of Engineering. It is renown for its analysis of the structure, behavior and performance of the global automotive industry. Its research covers materials supply, manufacturing and retail as well as wider policy issues affecting the automotive industry.

Clients have included Ford, Volvo, Ernst & Young, The Economist Intelligence Unit, Financial Times, the Royal Thai Government, UK Office of National Statistics, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, as well as the EPSRC/DTI administered Foresight Challenge initiative, where CAIR is involved in a joint telematics project with Jaguar, Rover, GEC-Marconi, MIRA, TRL and TRW and other universities. Director Rhys is widely regarded as Britain's leading independent commentator on the industry.

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.