"What Drives Detroit -- V"

Fifth-annual Seminar on Economic and Technology Challenges of the Auto Industry

Jan. 10, 2009
Detroit, Michigan

alt Seminar presentation (McAlinden): Government Rescue or Bankruptcy of Detroit

alt Seminar presentation (Sandler): Dealerships and Cars: Can Either Be Sold?

alt Seminar presentation (Cole): Change in Power Trains and Fuels

Featured Experts:

  • Sean McAlinden, Ph.D., Chief Economist and Vice President, Research, Center for Automotive Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • David E. Cole, Ph.D., Director, Center for Automotive Research
  • Sheldon Sandler, Founder and CEO, Bel Air Partners, Skillman, New Jersey

This seminar is presented in cooperation with the Detroit Free Press, the Center for Automotive Research, the Michigan Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalists.

Seminar focus:

The fifth annual “What Drives Detroit,” a FACS seminar for journalists who cover the auto industry and related business, will be held in advance of the Detroit Auto Show press preview.

The U.S. auto industry is in freefall. Leaders of the Big Three are lobbying for a government bailout, which might force foreign automakers to ask their own governments for an assist.

 

How long can the domestic car industry hold out? Auto industry experts will look at these economic issues, as well as new trends in technology. The final session will focus on auto dealerships.

Cost

There is no cost for the seminar but you must be pre-registered to attend. Registration fees have been waived for working journalists thanks to support from FACS media partners.

Agenda:

 

8:30 a.m.         Registration/continental breakfast

 

9:00                 "The Incredible Speed of Change in Power Trains and Fuels"

                              David E. Cole, Ph.D., Chairman, Center for Automotive Research

 

10:00                Break

 

10:15               "How Much Time Left for the U.S. Auto Industry?"

                              Sean McAlinden, Ph.D., Director of Economics Research, Center for
                              Automotive Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan

 

12:15 p.m.       Lunch

 

1:00                "What's the Deal with Dealerships?"

                               Sheldon Sandler, Founder and CEO, Bel Air Partners, Skillman,

                               New Jersey

 

2:30                  Questions and adjourn

 

Location

Detroit Free Press, 615 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226