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This automotive industry event, which takes place in Traverse City, Mich., is sponsored by the Center for Automotive Research and is the traditional summer gathering for automotive executives.
The kick-off World Class Manufacturing sessions will feature four separate themes: collaboration, manufacturing technologies, international manufacturing strategies and low-volume manufacturing.
"The role international business plays in domestic manufacturing is one of the most controversial issues today," said Jay Baron, CAR president and chair of the Manufacturing sessions. "Is the North American manufacturing base being exported to Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia? What role does international strategy play at increasing overall competitiveness and what is the long-term impact on the domestic manufacturing base?"
A discussion on these and related topics will be led by Jack Perkowski, Chairman and CEO, ASIMCO Technologies; Bruce Grey, Managing Director, Bishop Technology Group; and Mary Barra, Executive Director, Global Manufacturing Engineering, General Motors.
Additional speakers for the manufacturing sessions include: Chris Theodore, Vice Chairman for ASC Inc.; Wolfgang-Dietrich Schultz, Vice President, Manufacturing, MAGNA-STEYR; Laurie Harbour-Felax, Executive Vice President, ASG Renaissance; and Walter Hefele, CEO, KUKA Toledo Production Operations.
They will discuss the opportunities for suppliers as the trend toward a proliferation of vehicle models -- at lower production volumes and with shorter life-cycles -- continues. This trend calls for new flexible manufacturing technologies with lower investment costs and new business practices involving closer supply chain partnerships to compete.
The purpose of CAR is to conduct research on significant issues related to the future direction of the global automotive industry, as well as organize and present forums of value to the automotive community.
Early registration rates for the 2006 Management Briefing Seminars are available until June 30 by calling (734) 662-1287 or visiting http://www.cargroup.org . For more information regarding MBS registration, as well as exhibit and sponsorship opportunities, contact Lisa Hart at (734) 929-0465, Email Contact or visit http://www.cargroup.org .
Web site: http://www.cargroup.org/