J.D. Power Automotive Forecasting^SM

Global Automotive Outlook Conference
Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany

23 & 24 April 2008

Introduction
The shifting centre of gravity, from West to East, in the Global Automotive Industry is now a given — few expect that the rise of new markets and new automotive industry players can be halted. However, these developments are unlikely to run smoothly as the credit squeeze continues to weigh on US and European economies and markets, and the macro-economic risks in Asia and elsewhere increase as a result. The introduction of low cost cars is fast becoming a reality as a number of vehicle manufacturers get closer to a goal which will generate an entirely new market — there are implications in mature markets also. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions reduction remains a critical strategic problem for Europe’s OEMs.

Powertrain development will be, perhaps, the key part of the solution to the CO2 question. OEMs will need to deal with the competing demands of consumers who want more from their vehicles and legislators who are demanding greener cars — how will the manufacturers square the circle?

In the heavy vehicle industry, the boom in truck demand appears to be continuing to defy the usual laws of economic gravity with another record performance in 2007 — 2008 is already looking solid. Will a slowdown in the global economy, and particularly in mature economies, take a toll on demand?

Please join us in Frankfurt where J.D. Power staff and leading industry figures will address these and many other important issues during a one-and-a-half-day conference on 23rd and 24th April 2008. A full day on the 23rd April will be dedicated to the discussion of global light vehicle trends, while two separate half-day morning sessions on 24th April will focus specifically on truck and powertrain agendas.