Management Briefing Seminars Announces 2005 Speakers

ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 1 -- Top-level executives from important global automotive companies will address the 40th Annual Management Briefing Seminars (MBS) Aug. 1, 2005 at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near Traverse City, Mich. The seminars are directed by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR).

The 2005 MBS theme, "Strategies for Turbulent Times," will be the basis of remarks from more than 80 senior executives, including:

  *  George Dettloff, president, SKF North America
  *  Frank Ewasyshyn, executive vice president, manufacturing, Chrysler
     Group
  *  Mark Gaffney, president, AFL-CIO
  *  Bill Kozyra, president, Continental Teves
  *  Rodney O'Neal, president and chief operating officer, Delphi Corp.
  *  Jim Press, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Toyota
     Motor Sales, USA
  *  Peter Rosenfeld, executive vice president, procurement and supply,
     Chrysler Group
  *  John Sanderson, CEO, Siemens VDO Automotive
  *  John Smith, group vice president, global product planning, General
     Motors Corp.
  *  Yoshimasa Yamamoto, vice president, powertrain, Nissan Motor Co.

"The diversity of automotive OEM and supplier speakers throughout the week is what makes MBS unique and of value to our attendees," said David Cole, Ph.D., chairman, Center for Automotive Research. "Additionally, participation from important industry, academic and government groups provides a broad perspective and new ideas concerning critical issues affecting our industry."

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2005, MBS is the not-to-be-missed gathering of more than 1,500 auto industry, academic and government leaders addressing critical issues and emerging trends within the automotive industry. The week-long conference features targeted workshops, high-level executive panels and industry-renowned networking opportunities. Monday and Tuesday (Aug. 1-2) will include sessions highlighting manufacturing, low-volume vehicle production and changing business dynamics in the automotive supplier sector. Other sessions will cover topics such as automotive suppliers' health care issues, the outlook for China and India, and advanced powertrains. The Wednesday through Friday (Aug. 3-5) general automotive strategy sessions will focus on "Is There Calm After the Storm?"

Early registration for the 2005 Management Briefing Seminars is available by calling (734) 662-1287 or visiting http://www.cargroup.org/ .

The purpose of CAR is to conduct research on significant issues related to the future direction of the global automotive industry, as well as organize and conduct forums of value to the automotive community.

The Management Briefing Seminars are directed by CAR, in cooperation with the University of Michigan's Center for Professional Development and the Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation. For more information regarding MBS registration, as well as exhibit and sponsorship opportunities, contact Lisa Hart at (734) 929-0465, lhart@cargroup.org or visit http://www.cargroup.org/ .