The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Society of Automotive Analysts to Hold Spring Conference in June

23 February 1998

Society of Automotive Analysts to Hold Spring Conference in June 

    GLENVIEW, Ill., Feb. 23 -- The Society of Automotive Analysts
(SAA) will hold its Spring Conference in Atlanta, GA, June 3, 1998.  The theme
of this year's conference is "The Automotive Retailing Revolution... Winners
and Losers." For anyone involved directly or indirectly in the automotive
industry, whether as a retailer, manufacturer or supplier, this one day
conference is a must.
    The 1998 Spring Conference will candidly explore key success factors for
both new and traditional players in the dynamic automotive retailing arena.
It will address the issues that most challenge them.  Proponents of both sides
will discuss their views and strategies and their ability to execute these
strategies.
    Two panel discussions are planned:  "Why We Will Win!" with "new players"
W. Austin Ligon, president of CarMax Auto Superstores, Inc., Steven R.
Berrard, co-CEO of Republic Industries, and a representative of Auto-by-Tel
Marketing Corp., and "How We are Changing and Will Win!" with "traditional
retail players," including Jim Schroer, of Ford Motor Company, Sandy
Derickson, President of GE Automotive Financial, and Jake Kelderman, Executive
Director, Industry Affairs for the National Auto Dealers Association.  For the
grand finale, two independent auto retail industry analysts will engage in an
hour-long debate on the positions taken by each side.
    The program will begin with a report on research conducted by the
University of Michigan/A.T. Kearney on projected changes in auto retailing
over the next ten years by James Mateyka, Vice President, Automotive Industry
Practice at A.T. Kearney.  The luncheon includes a presentation by Joel Mamby,
President, SAAB Cars USA, Inc., formerly of Saturn who will speak on "Saturn's
Success -- Can it be duplicated?"
    Plans to tour a CarMax retail facility and the Ford Taurus assembly plant
are in the works.
    For more information about SAA's Spring Conference at the Atlanta Airport
Hilton, or to register call SAA at 847-375-4722 (or fax to 847-375-4777).
    The Society of Automotive Analysts is a professional association comprised
of more than 500 automotive industry analysts. The organization's mission is
to be the leading organization providing access to candid opinions and
analyses of the global automotive industry.

SOURCE  Society of Automotive Analysts