Auto Execs Gather In Traverse City
The mood is much more upbeat, as auto executives gather at the Grand Traverse Resort for the 45th annual Management Briefing Seminars.
The event, put on by the Center for Auto Research and the University of Michigan, brings leaders in the industry together for four days of intense meetings to plot out the future. In recent years, that future has been full of losses and bankruptcies. This year, the future looks much brighter.
Both Ford and General Motors have posted profits. Chrysler is promising an operating profit, when it's second quarter numbers come out next week. And while car sales are weak by historic levels, July sales figures--to be released tomorrow--are expected to show a bit of a rebound.
The session, normally dominated by auto industry executives, will feature a rare appearance by a UAW leader. New union president Bob King will speak at the first Monday morning session. He'll be on a panel with the top manufacturing executives from Ford, General Motors and Chrysler. These are the same people King will face at the bargaining table next year.
Among the other industry leaders expected to speak are Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields and GM CEO Ed Whitacre. The session will also feature top executives from import companies, including Steve St. Angelo, who's in charge of improving quality at Toyota.
WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert is covering the important session. Listen for his reports on WWJ Newsradio 950, with podcasts, photos and other extras online at wwj.com.
