The first-ever North American Automotive Supplier Symposium will take place on April 21, 2005 at the Hyatt Regency – Dearborn, Mich. The 2005 Supplier Symposium will help North American automotive suppliers diversify and expand business with Japanese vehicle manufacturers and better understand specific and detailed requirements of these companies in quality, cost, development and delivery (QCDD). The symposium focuses on case histories from North American suppliers successful in achieving and exceeding customer expectations.

The event will feature leading industry executives including:

• David E. Cole, chairman, Center for Automotive Research
• Gary Convis, president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.
• Laurie Felax, vice president, Harbour Consulting
• Larry Jutte, senior vice president and general manager of Parts and Procurement, Honda of America Manufacturing
• Toru Onda, managing director, Honda Motor Company and chairman of the Japan Automotive Manufacturers Association, Purchasing Committee
• Robert Sump, vice president, Component Engineering, Nissan Technical Center North America Inc.

Supplier executives from Autoliv ASP Inc., Dana Corporation and Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Inc. will share case studies on increasing business by understanding and meeting customer requirements in quality, cost, development and delivery.

Executives with responsibilities including sales, purchasing, product planning, engineering, quality, operations, manufacturing and marketing from OE suppliers should attend.

For assistance with online registration contact Brenna Putman at 248-952-6401 ext. 226 or bputman@oesa.org.

The Supplier Symposium is coordinated by the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association.

A block of guest rooms has been reserved for conference attendees at the Hyatt Regency - Dearborn, Mich. To reserve a room contact the Hyatt at 313-593-1234, or 800-233-1234 and mention the “2005 Supplier Symposium.” The special group rate is $139 for a single and $164 for a double. The cut-off date for group rate reservations is Thursday, April 14, 2005.