Michigan Takes Global Role for 1998 SAE Congress

29 October 1997
Michigan Takes Global Role for 1998 SAE Congress

    LANSING, Mich., Oct. 29 -- For the third year, Michigan will
host a Global Auto Supplier Mission as part of the Society of Automotive
Engineers' (SAE) International Congress and Exposition.  The 1998 SAE Congress
will take place February 23-26, 1998, at Cobo Center in Detroit.
    In keeping with Michigan's position as the center of North America's auto
industry, the state, will host an international business matchmaking event,
hold several seminars, present innovative products and technologies in a
technology showcase, and provide on-site technical assistance in the
Michigan/SAE International Guest Center.
    Michigan's Global Auto Supplier Mission, in which Michigan auto suppliers
are matched with overseas companies, will again orchestrate one-on-one
meetings to enhance Michigan's worldwide auto strength.  Last year, nearly 300
meetings took place at the SAE Congress.  The Mission is sponsored and
facilitated by the Michigan Jobs Commission, SAE, the European Union, and the
Automotive Strategic Assessment Team of Plante & Moran.
    In addition to the matchmaking event, the Jobs Commission will orchestrate
a first-ever technology showcase.  This event, to be held twice during the
week-long conference, will give auto suppliers an opportunity to show off
their new technologies or products to a panel of major potential customers.
Research and development staff from GM, Ford, Chrysler, Fiat, Porsche, Delphi,
Lear Corporation and Eaton have agreed to review the new products.  Other
manufacturers may be added to the list.
    The Jobs Commission is also planning to provide brief seminars to help
suppliers who are new to either the U.S. auto market or to specific foreign
markets.
    Helping the Jobs Commission organize its events are Plante & Moran; MERRA,
a public-private research agency; and IRN, Inc., a private auto industry
research and marketing firm.  These same firms also will be available to give
companies technical assistance with online searches for technologies, market
penetration strategies, how to get the most out of the SAE Congress, and more.
    As in the past, SAE International, with assistance from the Jobs
Commission, will once again sponsor the International Guest Center.  The
Center is a focal point for overseas visitors to meet colleagues, exchange
information, or plan their daily activities in a relaxing atmosphere.
    1998 will be the 93rd year of the SAE Congress, always held in Detroit.
More than 50,000 automotive designers, engineers, marketers, corporate
officials and technicians are expected to attend.  Application deadline for
the Global Auto Supplier Mission is November 3.  For further information, call
the Michigan Jobs Commission at 517-373-9808.

SOURCE  Michigan Jobs Commission