Society of Automotive Analysts Partners with Auto Interiors Show; OEM Designers to Discuss Future of Auto Interiors

ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 14 -- General Motors' David Rand and Ford Motor Company's Marek Reichman -- two of Detroit's top interior strategy gurus -- will outline their company's respective directions at the "Future of Automotive Interiors" special panel presentation scheduled for Wednesday, May 19. This session is part of the overall 11th annual international Auto Interiors Show set for Detroit's Cobo Center May 19, 2004-20. This special panel program is organized by the Society of Automotive Analysts, and is sponsored by WJR Radio and 3M Automotive Interiors.

Rand is Executive Director of GM's Design, Interiors, Quality and Brand Character. Reichman is Ford's Director of Interior Strategy, Product and Design Process. The panel will be moderated by Michael Hedge, president of Hedge & Company of Bingham Farms, MI, and SAA Board Member.

Presentations will include descriptions of current design strategies, and a discussion of the increasingly important role interiors play with consumers in the vehicle selection process. The two will also discuss what the future holds for interior design and styling, and how they're determining its direction to answer such questions as:

-- What is the latest consumer research telling them about consumer wants and needs?

-- How will the consumer lifestyle and demographic changes impact future design and interior features?

-- What role will telematics and navigation play and by when?

-- What about safety and convenience considerations, especially with respect to the growth segment of aging baby boomers?

-- How is all of this affecting the role of the supplier? What will OEMs be looking for from their suppliers? Will they continue outsourcing greater portions of interiors?

-- Who will be the winners and losers, and how will the OEMs decide?

The panel will run from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is followed by a networking "mixer" on the show floor for paid attendees. Executives registered for the Auto Interiors Show will automatically have access to the panel session. Others are welcome to attend this single event and the mixer at a $95 registration fee. Register online at www.autointeriors.com or phone 800.933.8735.

The Auto Interiors Show is presented and produced by VNU Expositions. VNU USA is a subsidiary of Netherlands-based VNU, N.V., one of the world's leading media and information companies.

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.