PRINCETON, N.J., April 15, 2010 — When NAFA Fleet Management Association decided to hold its 2010 Institute & Expo in Detroit, the Association reached out to the Detroit Three (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler). All three automakers jumped at the opportunity to speak directly to fleet managers from throughout North America right in their own backyard. Each of the Detroit Three will host an educational session, be part of important panel discussions, exhibit on the Expo Floor, and provide a Keynote Speaker, proving, once again, that fleet managers continue to represent an extremely important market segment for the automotive industry – one they cannot afford to lose. The pairing of fleet managers and the Detroit Three takes place April 24-27 at the Cobo Center in Detroit.
On Sunday, April 25, Robert A. Lutz, Vice Chairman of General Motors, will give a Keynote Address in what will probably be his last public speech. Lutz, who began his automotive career in September 1963 at General Motors and went on to serve executive positions at BMW, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, and Exide Technologies before returning to GM in 2001, is retiring on May 1. Among his many achievements is the 2006 Manufacturing Leadership Award, which is presented by the Society of Automotive Engineers to individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the development of the automotive industry.
"Bob is an auto industry icon," said NAFA's Executive Director, Phillip E. Russo, CAE. "He brings a wealth of knowledge, history, and creativity and is a fantastic storyteller and communicator as well. NAFA is very privileged to have a private audience of sorts with Bob."
Mark Fields, Executive Vice President of Ford Motor Company and President of The Americas, provides a Keynote Address on the following day. Fields, who joined Ford Motor Company in 1989, is responsible for all operations involved in the development, manufacturing, marketing, and sales of Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and South America. He assumed his current position in October 2005.
"This is a critical time for the automotive industry," explained Russo. "We are pleased that Ford Motor Company recognizes the value of the fleet customer in general, and of NAFA specifically, and is having Fields address our group."
The third and final Keynote Address will be presented by Peter Grady, Vice President – Network Development & Fleet, Chrysler Group LLC, on Tuesday, April 27. Grady, who reports directly to Sergio Marchionne (Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group LLC), has been steadily climbing the corporate ladder at Chrysler since first starting out as a District Sales Manager of American Motors Corporation in 1984. He was named to his current position in June 2009 and is currently responsible for managing Chrysler Group's fleet sales organization.
"Peter's long and varied history with Chrysler, across the United States and across the globe, gives him a unique perspective that will be invaluable for all fleet managers. Plus, his leading role in Chrysler's recent reorganization will enable him to speak on a number of subjects of interest to NAFA membership," said Russo.
The 2010 Institute & Expo marks the first time in more than 20 years that NAFA has held its annual conference in Detroit. Official media sponsors of the 2010 I&E include: Fleet Owner, International Fleet World, Automotive Fleet, Automotive Digest, Government Fleet, Fleet Financials, Canadian Automotive Fleet, CamAuto, Fleet Digest, Fleets & Fuels, Fleet Maintenance, Naylor, Fleet Focus, and FLEETSolutions. For more information, visit .
Contact:
Gary Wien
NAFA Fleet Management Association
609-986-1053
Email
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