News/Talk 760 WJR Launchs Weekly Auto Industry Radio Talk Show

WJR's 'In the Driver's Seat' to celebrate the good in automotive

TROY, Mich., March 1 -- The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) and News/Talk 760 WJR have teamed up to develop a new radio program that celebrates the auto industry and the individuals working to keep it successful. The one hour show, named "In the Driver's Seat," will be heard at 6 p.m. Sundays beginning March 5, 2006. The announcement was made today by WJR President & General Manager Mike Fezzey.

Each show will feature three segments: automotive retailing/auto dealer community; manufacturers and Tier One suppliers; and auto shows and events.

Hosted by industry veterans Rod Alberts and Joe Rohatynski, the first show will be recorded and produced today at the 76th Annual Geneva Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland. Alberts is executive director of the DADA and North American International Auto Show (NAIAS); Rohatynski owns Rohatynski PR Consulting, LLC.

"I can't think of two guys better suited to lead a weekly discussion about the positive aspects of the auto industry than Rod Alberts and Joe Rohatynski," said Fezzey. "Rod has done a tremendous job at the helm of both the DADA and NAIAS and is respected around the world for his success; and Joe, a well known public relations specialist, has represented a wide variety of automotive clients, from Tier One suppliers to dealers, with great professionalism."

"In the Driver's Seat" will demystify the dealer experience, and provide insight into the day-to-day activities of the auto dealership and its role in the community. The show will also take a behind the scenes look at the industry from both the automaker and supplier viewpoint, informing listeners about the finished product, and all the interesting parts, components and technology inside. Lastly, the show will take a look at the glamorous world of auto shows and the people involved, and the impact global events make on the shopping process. The show will also have some fun as its hosts take listeners on tours of some of the greatest motor show venues around the world. The show will be produced by Marc Harlow (mwharlow@msn.com).

Founding Sponsors of "In the Driver's Seat" include DaimlerChrysler, Toyota Motor Sales, General Motors Corporation, and the George P. Johnson Company.

Founded in 1908, the DADA represents more than 260 automobile dealers who own 240 dealerships employing nearly 17,000 people in Southeastern Michigan. The DADA supports its members through legislative and industry representation, educational programs, communications and community relations activities. Each year the DADA presents the North American International Auto Show, one of the top five motor shows in the world, and the only show in North America to receive annual sanctioning from the prestigious Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world.