Register Early for Global Economic Outlook at Seventh Annual GAAS

Research Triangle Park, N.C., January 14, 2002 - Early registrants for the seventh annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) program - set for Thursday and Friday, May 16-17, 2002, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Rosemont, Ill. - will receive the latest information on the global economic outlook at a substantial savings.

GAAS 2002 registration fees are $695 for the sponsoring associations members’ first registrant and $595 for each additional representative. After Thursday, Feb. 28, 2002, fees increase to $895 for an association member company’s first registrant and $795 for each additional representative.

Registration for individuals whose firms or organizations are not members of any of the sponsoring associations is $895 for the first registrant and $795 for each additional representative. After Thursday, Feb. 28, fees are $1,095 for the company’s first registrant and $995 for each additional representative.

GAAS program registration information is available from the sponsoring associates or online at www.globalsymposium.org.

For the past six years, this two-day program has addressed issues and trends affecting the automotive aftermarket industry and influencing its future. Net proceeds go toward scholarships to benefit students preparing for automotive aftermarket careers.

Outstanding Speaker Lineup

Dr. Jeffery Rosensweig, professor at Emory University and international business and finance expert, leads an outstanding lineup of GAAS 2002 speakers with his discussion, "The Global Economy: Where Do We Go From Here?" Other speakers include Dennis DesRosiers, DesRosiers Automotive Consultants; Dr. David Fry, Northwood University; Terry McCormack, Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group; Steve Odland, AutoZone; and Donald Panoz, Panoz Motor Sports.

GAAS 2002 also features a panel discussion of global distribution moderated by Chris Bates, president and CEO of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) with panelists William K. "Dan" Daniel, president, Replacement Products Business Group, ArvinMeritor Inc., Columbus, Ind.; Gabriel de Berard, FEDA; and Frans van Heck, TEMOT International.

Pete Kornafel of CARQUEST will moderate a panel discussion on inventory control and Brett Easley, senior vice president of merchandising and chief content officer, customer satisfaction.of AutoZone, Memphis, Tenn., will be a panelist.

Chuck Udell, president of the University of the Aftermarket, will moderate a discussion of value-added selling tools - training, featuring Ray Datt, AIA Canada; Mike Lambert, Parts Plus; Larry Pavey, Dana Under Vehicle Group; Mitch Schneider, Schneider Automotive Repair; and Ken Walker, Meineke Discount Muffler Shops.

Kathleen Schmatz, executive vice president of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), will moderate the panel discussion, "Who Will Fix the Car?" with panelists Lynne Cardwell, Car Care Center; Wayne Juchno, Service Technicians Society; and David Peterson, executive vice president, IT Group.

The GAAS program is a joint professional education effort of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Association of North America (TANA) and University of the Aftermarket.

GAAS Proceeds Invested in Industry Future

Proceeds from the GAAS program are used to fund scholarships for undergraduate and vocational technical students preparing for careers in the automotive aftermarket. The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium scholarship (GAASS) fund awarded 69 scholarships to students in two-year technical college programs or in four-year college programs in 2001. GAAS has provided a total of 248 scholarships since 1996.