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Auto Experts Discuss Global Factors for Success At European Auto Industry Executive Seminar

16 September 1997

Auto Experts Discuss Global Factors for Success At European Auto Industry Executive Seminar

    DETROIT, Sept. 16 -- Insights into how companies can
effectively enter or expand in the European automotive marketplace will be
presented at the European Auto Industry Executive Seminar, Thursday, Sept. 18
at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dearborn, Mich.
    Sponsored by the HCI Group, international experts from automotive
manufacturer, supplier and service firms will discuss the operational issues
necessary to compete in today's global arena.  Seminar issues include:
forecasting, business law, taxes, logistics, labor, marketing, global
management recruiting, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, product
design/engineering/technical support, real estate, site selection and facility
construction.
    "One key to continued growth for automakers will be developing strategic
alliances with suppliers in Europe and around the world," said Ronald Hesse,
president and CEO of the HCI Group.
    "Our panel is comprised of experts who will address the key elements
needed to successfully conduct business in Europe," said Hesse.  Speakers
include:

    *  Tobias Wuttke, directeur general, acquisitions, joint ventures and
       mergers, Downer & Co., Paris;
    *  James Bruno, international attorney, Butzel Long, Lex Mundi
       International, Detroit;
    *  Ian Simmons, director business development, TWR Group, Ltd., United
       Kingdom;
    *  Dede Dankelson, director global product analysis, CSM Forecasting,
       Detroit;
    *  Frank Smeekes, vice president, A.T. Kearney Executive Search, Chicago;
    *  Patricia Preston, account executive, international communications,
       Eisbrenner Public Relations, Detroit;
    *  Carl Van Suchtelen, tax specialist Holland, International Tax Desk,
       Ernst & Young LLP;
    *  Pierre-Henri Revault, tax specialist France, International Tax Desk,
       Ernst & Young LLP; and,
    *  Stefan Heinloth, president North American Operations, DQS, Germany.

    In addition, keynote luncheon speaker John McElroy, editorial director,
Automotive Industries magazine, will discuss how the American auto industry
affects Europe.
    The half-day program commences at 8 a.m. and concludes with a luncheon
presentation beginning at 12:15 p.m.  Cost for the seminar, including
continental breakfast and lunch, is $195.  To register or obtain additional
information, CONTACT: Ronald Hesse, telephone 800-860-8564.
    The HCI Group is an independent firm with U.S. headquarters in Chicago,
and European headquarters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.  Through monthly
Executive Seminars, EUROtalk Newsletter and EUROtalk RESOURCES, the HCI Group
helps U.S. auto suppliers successfully compete in the European auto industry.
The company also offers on-site Focused Company Presentations and exclusive
European automotive information through the company's Internet web site
 http://www.euroautoindustry.com.

SOURCE  HCI Group