RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC -- A panel of marketing executives will examine the importance of marketing within the automotive industry on Wednesday, May 17, at the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, MI.

The function of marketing has undergone a lot of change in the automotive aftermarket. What was once a discipline driven by manufacturers, has evolved into a highly participative process among manufacturers, distributors and retailers. A panel of marketing experts will look at the changes marketing has undergone in the last 10 years, the state of current programs and what lies ahead.

“Marketing represents a big portion of the automotive industry’s importance to the global economy,” said Tom Marx, president and CEO of The Marx Group. “Correctly marketing your products can ultimately determine the success or failure in even the best of ideas. These industry leaders will discuss how companies can effectively promote and market their products and why a proper marketing strategy is so important.”

The “Who Needs Marketing?” discussion is set for 3:45 – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 17. Panelists are:

• Willi Alexander, president and COO, Parts Depot;
• Lisa Kranc, senior vice president, marketing, AutoZone;
• Mario Recchia, vice president, marketing and business development, WORLDPAC; and
• Bill Long, vice president, marketing, Proliance International

More information and registration forms are available at: globalsymposium.org .

_______________________________________

Click here to view the rest of today's headlines.