PricewaterhouseCoopers Addresses Auto Industry Turmoil at Feb 10 MPG Luncheon

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 5, 2009 -- On Tuesday, February 10, 2009 The Motor Press Guild (MPG), America's largest professional automotive media association, will hold an open luncheon featuring Steve D'Arcy, Global Automotive Leader, and Mike McKenzie, Manager, of PricewaterhouseCooper's Automotive Institute. These two distinguished and experienced automotive will participate in a panel moderated by industry expert Charlie Vogelheim. The panel will delve into:

  --  The turmoil facing the industry today,
  --  What factors lead the industry to its current state
  --  What OEMs can do maintain profitability
  --  What the industry will face in the future

Steve D'Arcy, a partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers' Global Automotive practice has overall market responsibility for the Firm's services to automotive suppliers, OEMs and retailers. With more than 30 years of automotive experience, D'Arcy has assisted clients in managing global supply chain risk management and assessment, low cost sourcing and industry operations. He has also led global supply chain projects for OEM clients as well as led numerous assignments including supplier diligence, M&A, audit and performance improvement projects.

Michael McKenzie, a manager in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Automotive Institute based in the Greater Los Angeles office is responsible for the North American market analysis. As an automotive subject matter specialist, McKenzie's ongoing responsibilities include regional oversight of production and capacity forecasting for North America, providing clients with comprehensive analysis of automotive industry and finance trends, competitive issues, forward product programs and strategic risk management solutions.

  MPG Meeting Details:

  What:       Steve D'Arcy, Global Automotive Leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers
              and Mike McKenzie, Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers Automotive
              Institute, will examine the dynamics of the current U.S.
              vehicle sales market and global automotive supply chain. They
              will also identify the unique risks of the domestic
              manufacturers.

  When:       Tuesday, February 10, 2009
              Social - 11:30 a.m.
              Luncheon - Noon

  Where:      The Proud Bird Restaurant
              11022 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
              Phone: 310-670-3093

  Price:      Members - $25;
              Non-Members and Guests - $30; (cash or check; open seating/no
              reservations)

  Contact:    MPG:  Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049, or press@motorpressguild.org

For more information about MPG news, upcoming events, and directions to the Proud Bird, please visit http://www.motorpressguild.org/news.

About Motor Press Guild

The Los Angeles-based Motor Press Guild (MPG) is a non-profit professional association dedicated to promoting education and information exchange within the motoring press. MPG has more than 800 global members, including staff and freelance journalists, photographers, broadcasters, public-relations representatives from vehicle manufacturers, industry suppliers, aftermarket companies, consumer groups, governmental bodies and other motoring-related firms and organizations.