Aftermarket Manufacturing Leaders to Discuss Challenges and Opportunities At 2005 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – A panel of automotive aftermarket manufacturers will examine the challenges and opportunities they face in today’s global economy on Wednesday, May 11, at the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Chicago, Ill.

“Maintaining world competitiveness has been the clarion call for the automotive aftermarket,” said Bob McKenna, president and CEO of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and panel moderator. “For manufacturing companies, there has been intense pressure to reduce costs, innovate products and expand into new markets. These industry leaders will discuss how their companies are meeting these goals.”

“The Manufacturing Challenge” discussion is set for 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. on May 11. Panelists are: 

• Joseph P. Felicelli, executive vice president, worldwide aftermarket operations, Federal-Mogul Corp.
• Terry McCormack, president and CEO, AFFINIA Group Inc.
• Larry A. Pavey, CEO, ARI
• Bruce M. Zorich, CEO, United Components Inc.

The panel discussion will be one of the highlights of the 10th annual GAAS program, “Lessons from the Past, Perspectives on the Future.” GAAS 2005 is set for Wednesday and Thursday, May 11-12, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Chicago, Ill.
Participants can save $200 by registering before Friday, March 25. More information and registration forms are available at www.globalsymposium.org.

This year’s Symposium will mark the event’s 10th anniversary. The first Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium was held Sept. 25-26, 1996, at the Hyatt Regency Deerfield Hotel in the suburban Chicago area. From its humble beginnings, the Symposium has grown to be the industry’s leading educational forum.

All of the net proceeds from the event go toward funding industry scholarships. The anniversary year will mark a significant milestone when the Symposium surpasses $1 million in scholarship funds awarded to more than 1,000 students. Details about the GAAS scholarship program are available at www.automotivescholarships.com.

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.

R. L. Polk & Co. is the corporate sponsor of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium.