Senior Manufacturing Executives to Meet at Leipzig - A Leading European Region

LONDON, December 13 -- Between 7-9 June 2005 the first AutoMan Europe conference will take place in Leipzig, Germany. It is organized by global automotive industry specialist Ultima Media and supported by its international manufacturing magazine, Automotive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS).

"We deliberately chose Leipzig as the location for our first European conference," said Alex Campos, Ultima Media Marketing Manager, "because Saxony is one of Europe's leading automotive regions and has the perfect venue in Leipzig, Porsche's fabulous new conference centre, part of its state-of-the-art plant.

"We are putting together an extraordinary programme - an in-depth analysis of manufacturing challenges and solutions that involve global strategies for VMs and suppliers. This will cover key technology areas including stamping, body-in-white, powertrain and assembly".

Some of the confirmed keynote speakers presenting their latest business strategies include: Michel Gornet, Senior VP, Manufacturing and Powertrain, RENAULT; Reinhard Jung, Member of the Board of Management, VOLKSWAGEN BRAND, PRODUCTION & LOGISTICS; Michael Macht, Executive VP, Production & Logistics, PORSCHE; Dr Norbert Reithofer, Board Member & Head of Production, BMW AG; Gerhard Woelfel, Head of Paintshop, Plant Leipzig, BMW AG; Jayson Pankin, New Venture Creation Specialist, DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; Gunther Apfalter, President, MAGNA DRIVETRAIN; Manfred Remmel, President & CEO, MAGNA STEYR; Thomas Jurk, Minister for Economy and Labor, THE SAXON STATE and many more.

"Other highlights of the AutoMan Europe programme include a cocktail reception at Gohliser Schloesschen, a gala dinner at the BMW Leipzig Plant and plant visits to BMW Leipzig, VW Dresden and Leipzig Porsche plants," added Campos. "The participants will also have a fantastic opportunity to drive a Porsche on- and off-road."

With the special support of Volkswagen Sachsen, BMW Leipzig, Porsche Leipzig, the Saxony Economic Development Corporation, IIC and the City of Leipzig, AutoMan Europe 2005 promises to be the annual European automotive manufacturing gathering of the year.

Arcelor, Delmia, InGenics, Schneider Electric, City of Sunderland and Uddeholm sponsor AutoMan Europe.

For more information about the programme and how to register, please visit www.automaneurope.com