Specialty Equipment Session Highlights OEM Collaboration at Annual Management Briefing Seminars

ANN ARBOR, Mich., July 11 -- The automotive specialty equipment market and its rapidly expanding partnership with vehicle manufacturers and suppliers will be the subject of a unique session at this year's Management Briefing Seminars, on Tuesday, August 12, entitled "Profitable Personalization: OEM-Aftermarket Collaboration."

The specialty equipment industry has experienced increased visibility and growth in recent years -- both of which have not gone unnoticed by leading industry stakeholders. Many within the automotive industry are creating partnerships with specialty equipment companies as an opportunity for growth and survival in today's ever-changing automotive climate.

"The specialty equipment sector, made up of a remarkably diverse group of companies, offers a creative way for vehicle manufacturers to meet consumer's customization needs," said Brett Smith, co-chair of the session, and assistant director of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology group at the Center for Automotive Research, host of the traditional summer event. "Our session will focus on how the specialty equipment market is working with the auto industry, highlighting collaboration with vehicle manufacturers. In the summer of 2008 both the auto industry and specialty equipment market face difficult economic conditions, the time is right to forge creative design, engineering and marketing partnerships between the two.

The Personalization session, offered in collaboration with the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is co-chaired by John Waraniak, SEMA's Vice President of Vehicle Technology. Featured speakers include Myles Kovacs, President and Co-Founder, DUB Magazine and Elaine Matsuda, Vice President of Corporate Accessories, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. To round out the panel, they will be joined by Scott Ulnick, Managing Partner, Ducker Worldwide, who will share insights on how vehicle manufacturers and specialty suppliers can effectively co-brand their products.

In addition, several vehicles fitted with the latest equipment from SEMA member companies will be on display at an evening reception sponsored by both SEMA and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation on Tuesday, August 12.

The overall conference theme of the Management Briefing Seminars: Transcending Turbulence" will be addressed by leaders from manufacturers, suppliers and other key stakeholders at the annual industry event Aug. 11-15 near Traverse City, Michigan at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. The seminars attract more than 1,000 attendees who participate in targeted sessions, senior-level executive panels and highly valued networking opportunities.

Also on Tuesday, the "Connected Vehicles in a Changing World" session will discuss collaboration required with the aftermarket as well as other factors facing the unfolding realm of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure connections. Featured speakers include: Paul Brubaker, Administrator, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation; Jim Buczkowski, Director, Electrical/Electronic Systems Engineering, Ford Motor Company; Adam Drobot, President, Advanced Technology Solutions, Chief Technology Officer, Telcordia Technologies, Inc., Kirk Steudle, Director, Michigan Department of Transportation, and John Waraniak, SEMA.

Additional sessions take place throughout the week. For an up-to-date listing of speakers and sessions, or to register visit CAR's Web site: mbs.cargroup.org

CAR's mission is to conduct research on significant issues related to the future direction of the global automotive industry, as well as organize and conduct forums of value to the automotive community.

For more information regarding MBS registration or other CAR activities, contact the Center for Automotive Research at (734) 662-1287.