SAE 2005 World Congress 'The Perfect Launch: Optimizing Supplier Performance During Launch' Monday, April 11, 2005

    Presented by the Original Equipment Suppliers Association and the
                  Ernst & Young Global Automotive Center

(NOTE: Journalists wishing to cover the program may attend in person. Registration is described below.)

What

This half-day program will focus on elements of vehicle launch over which suppliers have some control. By sharing thoughts, best practices and study findings, speakers and panelists will discuss ways suppliers can improve internal launch processes, encourage specific practices through the supply chain, improve launch quality, and limit financial risk. The presentation will also address key drivers and highlight critical practices the industry should adopt to realize some of this $8 billion financial opportunity.

"It's important for automotive suppliers to understand how to organize around a product launch, how they can measure launch success, and how to overcome internal and external launch issues," said Michael Hanley, global automotive leader for Ernst & Young LLP and a presenter at "The Perfect Launch."

Ernst & Young has done a great job of distilling information from suppliers on their launch experiences and showing how their experience was used to develop better processes around launch," said OESA President Neil DeKoker. "There is a lot we can share to improve launch quality and reduce the challenges associated with these events."

  Where:     Cobo Center, Room W2-62 - Detroit, Michigan

  When:      7:30 a.m. - 8 a.m.   Registration
             8 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.  Program

  Registration & Interviews

To register, contact Beth Overcashier at bovercashier@oesa.org or 248-952-6401, ext. 221. All registrants will receive a complimentary pass to visit the SAE World Congress exhibit floor.

Interviews can be conducted immediately following the program or arranged by appointment:

   * To arrange interviews with OESA staffers, contact Margaret Baxter at
     mbaxter@oesa.org or 248.952.6401 ext. 223.
   
   * To arrange interviews with Ernst & Young professionals, contact Sonja
   Bultynck (who will be onsite) via cell phone at 248.802.3431 or Lindsey
   Szczepaniak at 216.241.4624.
   
   Presenters

Lori Queen, vehicle line executive, small cars, General Motors Corporation, will deliver the keynote address, "The Cobalt: The Supplier Role in Enabling a Flawless Launch." Queen will discuss GM's experience with launch, including supplier goals and expectations.

Michael Hanley, global automotive leader, Ernst & Young LLP, will present findings gleaned from more than 25 automotive supplier executive team interviews. Hanley will also discuss strategies that suppliers may use to mitigate financial risk related to launch.

   * How suppliers organize around launch

   * How suppliers measure launch success and quality

   * How suppliers overcome internal and external launch issues

A supplier panel will provide insight on challenges and risks, common pitfalls and success stories related to launch. Panelists include:

   * John Knappenberger, Vice President Administration, DURA Automotive
     Systems, Inc.

   * Kevin O'Keefe, Director, Program Management, Robert Bosch Corporation

   * Hazen Sills, Director of Sales, GHSP

   * Jonathan Stegner, General Director, Global Supply Management, Delphi
     Corp.

Hans-Werner Kaas, principal of McKinsey & Company's North American Automotive practice, will present the findings of a recent Customer-Supplier Interface study and implications for the North American automotive industry.