LAS VEGAS — Surviving in a Changing Aftermarket is the theme for the 2007 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) on Tuesday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 9 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago.
Bob Lutz, vice chairman of product development for General Motors, will give an inspirational luncheon speech. Prior to serving GM as vice chairman, Lutz was chairman and CEO of Exide Technologies. Lutz joined Exide after a distinguished career with the former Chrysler Corp. from 1986 to 1998, where he reached the position of vice chairman. His 12 years with the company are chronicled in his 1998 book, “Guts: The Seven Laws of Business That Made Chrysler the World’s Hottest Car Company.” “Guts” was revised and updated in 2003 and renamed, “Guts: 8 Laws of Business from One of the Most Innovative Business Leaders of our Time.”
Nancy Fein, vice president of customer services for Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, will give her personal insights on delivering excellent customer service. As vice president of customer services, she is responsible for all activities in the parts, service, sales, service training and customer satisfaction departments. Fein has held a number of positions at Toyota, including corporate manager of New Era Business Systems, national retail development manager, national parts supply manager, national service planning and operations manager, warranty manager and service administrator. Fein has also been recognized as one of the "Leading 100 Women in the Automotive Industry" by Automotive News.
GAAS is a must-attend event for anyone conducting business with the automotive aftermarket including: advertising, communications, marketing and PR professionals, attorneys, business developers, consultants, electronic commerce providers, export management companies, financial analysts, investment bankers, market researchers, product developers, research and development specialists, and venture capitalists.
The GAAS program is a joint professional education effort of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Industry Association (TIA)and University of the Aftermarket.
Participants who register before Friday, March 23, 2007 will receive $200 off regular registration rates. Registration forms can be accessed at http://www.globalsymposium.org.
