Senior Automotive Executives to Gather in Dearborn at Economist Conferences' First U.S. Automotive Roundtable''

TROY, Mich.--Nov. 8, 2004--GlobalAutoIndustry.com has teamed up with Economist Conferences, part of The Economist Group, to promote the first Automotive Industry Roundtable in the United States for the global automotive community.

Automotive conferences abound; only this Roundtable can draw on the authority and insight of The Economist. The style of the debate will be open, candid and unafraid of the tough questions. The event will be tailored to the strategic interests of upper-level management at auto manufacturers and suppliers.

The Roundtable begins with an eve-of-conference dinner and cocktail reception, hosted by Graeme Maxton, The Economist Group's automotive industry expert. This is an ideal opportunity for informal networking and a chance to start some low-key discussion of the agenda topics. The Roundtable is scheduled for November 10 and 11 at the Ritz Carlton in Dearborn, Michigan.

"In many ways the auto sector is at a turning point," says Maxton. "Medium term growth prospects are increasingly uncertain, margins are under ever greater pressure and oil prices are bringing new challenges. With informed debate, new ideas and some bold decisions we think that these seemingly bleak prospects can become opportunities for a more sustainable future. Our aim is to provide the platform for that debate."

"The Economist brings a unique perspective to the global automotive industry," states Ronald Hesse, president of GlobalAutoIndustry.com. "As the world's largest manufacturing industry, the auto industry affects the global economy like no other industry. The Economist brings together the thought leaders to discuss and debate key issues of where this global industry is going and what it will take to succeed in getting there."

About Economist Conferences

Economist Conferences is a leading provider of highly interactive meetings for senior executives seeking new insights into important strategic business issues.

About GlobalAutoIndustry.com

GlobalAutoIndustry.com connects the worldwide auto supplier industry with the resources to effectively do business globally. Through the web site, www.GlobalAutoIndustry.com, auto supplier executives can find insight, solutions and strategies focused on doing business in the world's top automotive markets.

Monthly eJournals provide targeted information and insight on doing business in foreign markets and GlobalAutoIndustry.com Solutions provide effective international answers to suppliers' global business and operational needs.

Parent company, HCI Group Ltd., is based in Troy, Mich., with European headquarters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.