Observations 08/02/10

Some general observations from the first day of the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City.

Bob King's speech to this gathering was generally well recieved.  Of most interest was the fact that a UAW President would even come to a gathering that may not be all that union friendly.

Many observers thought that hadn't happened before, but it has.  Owen Bieber was the last UAW President to address this gathering back in 1994.

As for the content of King's speech, it's probably a mixed review.  The admission that the union had to change went over well.  But, auto industry leaders seem suspicous of signing on to any kind of agreement regarding organizing that was developed specifically by the UAW. 

It's hard to even define terms.  What the union could consider management interference, the company might consider a simple statement of fact.

King did say he was willing to be flexibile. 

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While attendance is up from last year (I missed that session for the first time in a decade) it still doesn't appear nearly as crowded here as in the years before the auto industry recession.  Less exhibit space is filled, and many conference rooms that used to be booked, are empty.

Car companies are also being much more conservative in their spending.  They used to invite reporters for lunches and dinners with executives.  Now it's very quick interviews.

And many executives who used to fly in, are now driving and spending the night.  It takes more time, but costs much less money.

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Always nice to see old friends here.  I always see former WWJ Auto Reporter Robb Mahr.  He still has that voice that booms across a room.

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Tomorrows sessions will focus on hybrids, ev's and advanced powertrains, as well as doing business in China.  In terms of news, they may be overtaken by car sales numbers for July, which come out in early afternoon.  We'll have much more breaking news here on Wednesday and Thursday when the heavy hitters from the auto companies arrive.

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I'm sending out updates from this conference  on Twitter.  I'm @jefferygilbert, and the conference is #mbs2010