Ford president Jacques Nasser to address SEMA luncheon JACQUES Nasser, president of Ford Automotive Operations (FAO), will make a much-heralded appearance as the keynote speaker at the 1997 SEMA/AI Show o NTDRA Show in Las Vegas, it was announced by Charles R. Blum, president of the Specialty Equipment Market Association. According to Blum, Nasser will address an Innovations Day luncheon gathering on Monday, November 3, the day preceding the formal opening of the side-by-side shows.
Nasser, a 29-year Ford Motor Co. veteran, is the former head of Ford of Europe. He is considered by many to be the architect of the automaker's strategy to globalize product development and universalize components and processes.
During his presentation, entitiled "Ford and the Aftermarket: Working Together for the Enthusiast," Nasser is slated to talk about corporate philosophies and long-term vision. Additionally, he will explore ways in which his organization and the specialty automotive aftermarket can further enhance the synergetic relationship that has developed between the two entities in recent years.
"Since taking over the reins of FAO last November, Jacques Nasser has continued to play a key role in positioning Ford as a premier global player," says Blum. "Having an individual of his stature and vision at our show is a distinct honor. It is also a tribute to the ongoing, mutually beneficial alliance that has evolved between Ford Motor Co. and the aftermarket industry. I have no doubt that his presence as our keynote speaker will generate considerable interest and enthusiasm," he adds.
Nasser's address, the highlight of a comprehensive, day-long conference program comprised of executive-level marketing and business-management seminars, is the first of many high-profile activities in which Ford Motor Co. will be engaged during show week. Designated with "1997 Vehicle of the Show" honors, Ford previously announced plans to feature the all-new 1998 Ranger at SEMA/AI Show '97. Ford also has timed the rollout of a yet-to-be-identified new model to coincide with the company's annual media luncheon, scheduled for Tuesday, November 4.
"In past years, Ford has utilized the SEMA/AI Show as a venue to debut some of its most prestigious new models, including the '92 Ranger, F-150 Lightning, '94 Mustang and the Mark VIII," said Blum. "For Ford to again use our event as a launching pad, this time for a worldwide vehicle rollout, is further indication of the show's stature within the automotive community and the role the aftermarket industry plays in helping the OEMs to enhance vehicle image and sales."
The SEMA/AI Show o NTDRA Show, a premium feature of Auto-motive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), will include more than 1,200 exhibitors occupying in excess of 4,800 booths chock-full of the latest aftermarket appearance and performance parts and accessories. The shows will run concurrently from November 4 to 7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The Keynote Luncheon, scheduled for 11:45 to 1:45 p.m., November 3, will be held at the Las Vegas Hilton, Pavilions 9, 10 and 11. Cost to attend: $25 per person. To obtain an attendee brochure and an advance registration form, contact Epic Enterprises/PGI, show management, 609/294-2999, or call SEMA headquarters, 909/396-0289, ext. 107.
ASIA's 800 hotline provides timely answers ESTABLISHED in 1993, members of the Automotive Service Industry Association (ASIA) have toll-free access to ASIA's Aftermarket Information Hotline.
The Hotline service is like having an in-house advisor on issues such as legislative, regulatory, and human resources - it's free to ASIA members!
Information is gleaned from a wide variety of industry sources and government agencies by a trained expert in ASIA's Research and Information Department who knows where to get the answers you need, fast.
The Hotline can also provide information on: new market prospects, trend analysis, economic forecast, technological advances, human resources questions, legislative issues and more!
In short, this information is made available to you free of charge to help you build your company's future. Calls are answered from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm CST, Monday through Friday. Questions may be sent by fax or e-mail .
Whether you're a product manager tracking regional trends or an international sales director seeking global updates, ASIA's Hotline can give you answers that will put you on track.
For more information on ASIA's Aftermarket Information Hotline or membership in ASIA, stop at ASIA's booth #3261 or phone 847/228-1310, fax 847/228-1510, or e-mail: asia@aftmktusa.org.
SEMA creates an international racing and performance show THE ALL-NEW Import Auto Salon, billed as an international racing and performance manufacturers show, will take place Feb. 20-22, 1998, at the Pomona Fairplex, Pomona, CA, according to an announcement by Charles R. Blum, president of the Specialty Equipment Market Association.
The Import Auto Salon, which will be presented and sponsored by SEMA, long known for producing the annual SEMA/AI Show in Las Vegas, and, more recently, the SEMA Truck & Auto Accessories Expos as well as the newly acquired NTDRA Show, will feature exhibit booths as well as display vehicles, seminars, installation workshops and an industry reception.
Noting the Import Auto Salon is a national rather than a regional show, Blum says, "The extraordinary expansion of the import performance market-which, virtually overnight, has gone from a regional movement based primarily in Southern California to one of national interest-represents a significant new-growth area for an important segment of our industry. The expo will mirror the national trend.
"Based on the initial outpouring of support," continues Blum, "we believe the Import Auto Salon will furnish players from all walks of the market - be they performance-parts or appearance-accessory manufacturers, tuners or wholesalers - with the most viable avenue for tapping the market's potential and expanding their business horizons."
Donald R. Turney, vice president of marketing, further noted that the format for the three-day event will differ from other SEMA-sponsored trade-only shows, in that consumers will be able to mingle with trade buyers on the final day.
"The driving force behind the import performance market is a young male audience bent on turning late-model Hondas, Toyotas and other sport-compact vehicles into modern-day, street-legal hot rods," said Turney. "Typically, these young people flock in droves to sport-compact car shows and sound-offs looking for the latest and hottest products for their cars.
"Because the scope of the Import Auto Salon will be far more broad-based and diverse, and because an educated consumer will eventually be their best customer, it further benefits our exhibitors if we expose consumers to these products in a more technically oriented, non-selling environment," he concludes.
ASIA's aftermarket college provides vital management training WITH THE theme "Take the Lead in a Competitive Marketplace," ASIA's 1997 Management College of Aftermarket Studies was held August 17-22, 1997, at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL.
The 25-plus students who participated in the program learned what it takes to market successfully in today's evolving aftermarket from John P. Sheehan, vice president of sales and marketing at Chesterfield, Mo.-based Cooper Automotive Inc., who presented "Successful Marketing in an Evolving Aftermarket".
Human resource management - one of the most important business concerns today - was presented by Tom Lynch, director of AAI, ASIA's Nashville, TN-based Training and Consulting Division.
Other subjects covered during the course included: Strategic Change; Marketing with New Technology Tools; Communication Between the Sexes; Leadership; Winning at Negotiations; Customer Service; Competing in the Global Marketplace; and more!
The program is sponsored by ASIA in cooperation with the University of Illinois College of Commerce and Business Administration.
For more information contact Rich Niebrzydowski at 847/228-1310, fax 847/228-1510.
ASSOCIATION BRIEFS
Editor's Note: This column monitors the activities of automotive associations, institutes and foundations. Items include activities, promotions, updates and other new items.
The 1997 Manufacturers' Representatives Lifetime Achievement Awards, created in 1996 by a committee of manufacturers' representatives members of ASIA, APAA and SEMA, was presented to John Grant, chairman of Grant Brothers Sales Limited of North York, Ontario, Canada and Charles Oldfield, CEO of Oldfield Sales Co., Brea, CA. The two were honored for their exemplary service to the industry at the annual representatives seminar and conference at Oak Brook Hills Hotel and Resort in Oak Brook, IL. The keynote speaker for the conference was Robert W. Daley, vice president of sales and marketing for Echlin, Inc. Other speakers included the three presidents of the sponsoring associations, Gene Gardner of ASIA, Charles Blum of SEMA and Alfred Gaspar of APAA.
F. Stephen Moore was named the new executive director for Auto International Association (AIA). He will manage all aspects of AIA including membership, meetings, educational programs and legislative/regulatory affairs. He has 15 years of international business experience and is a former operations vice president for Sarreid, Ltd., a manufacturer and importer of decorative furniture and accessory items. Moore was also a vice president of Bailey Marketing Group where he created programs based on merchandise sourced globally.
AIA's management recently transferred to the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association in Research Triangle Park, NC, from the Specialty Equipment Market Association offices in California.
