Society of Automotive Analysts Presents Its Inaugural STRATEGIC PLANNING SUMMIT Wednesday, September 1 in Troy, Michigan

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Aug. 26, 2004 -- Eight of the automotive industry's top analysts and forecasters are confirmed presenters at SAA's first-ever STRATEGIC PLANNING SUMMIT slated for Wednesday, September 1 in Troy, Michigan at the MSU Management Education Center. The event is presented in partnership with WJR Radio 760 AM in Detroit.

The program has been designed to bring together the leading automotive research, forecasting and consulting firms to address a wide variety of pertinent issues facing the industry today. Presenters (in order of their appearance) are:

  * MICHAEL ROBINET
    Vice President, Global Forecast Services - CSM Worldwide, Farmington
     Hills, MI
    "Strategic Opportunity Targeting: Optimizing Mix and Limiting Variation"
  * GEORGE ZIRNHELT
    President & CEO - Power Systems Research, Eagan, MN
    "Commercial Vehicles - Part of the Automotive Family"
  * ANTONIO BENECCHI
    Partner - Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, Troy, MI
    "The Odyssey of the Auto Industry: Suppliers Changing Manufacturing
      Footprint"
  * JOSEPH McCABE
    Partner - Automotive Compass, LLC, West Chester, PA
    "Customer Management Best Practices for Automotive Suppliers"
  * TIM LONGNECKER
    CEO & Member of the Board of Managers - Power Information Network, LLC,
     Troy, MI
    "Improving Brand and Vehicle Performance by Increasing Retained Value"
  * GLENN MERCER
    Partner & Director of Automotive Services - McKinsey & Company,
     Cleveland, OH
    "'Smart' Consolidation in the North American Automotive Supply Industry"
  * RONALD HARBOUR
    President - Harbour Consulting, Troy, MI
    "What Separates the Best from the Rest?"
  * PAUL LIENERT
    President - Global Auto Systems, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
    "China 2010: Strategic Alliances and Investments"

The "Summit" begins at 7:00 a.m. with a networking breakfast, then the program running from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Registration for the event is available on line at SAA's website .- http://www.cybersaa.org/ . Event fee is $149 for SAA members. Non-member rate is $225, and includes a one-year membership in the society (normally $125). Breakfast, lunch and breaks are included. Contact SAA at 734.677.3518 with any questions.

The MSU Management Education Center is located in Troy at 811 West Square Lake Road, just east of Crooks Road. Location map available at http://www.msucenter.com/mecmap.htm .

For additional information, contact SAA headquarters at 734/677-3518 or 800/704-0051; fax 734/677-2407; e-mail to info@cybersaa.org , or visit the SAA website at http://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.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Media are welcome to attend at a $75 rate.