GM, Chrysler, BoA, Ford & Avis/Budget to Lead National Event

By Jennifer Reed, Auto Group Editor
September 03, 2008

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SAN DIEGO — How are some of America's biggest companies reacting to the challenging used-car market and positioning themselves for future growth in market share and profitability?

Top executives representing major banking institutions, rental companies, auction companies and automakers will be on hand at the upcoming National Remarketing Conference and Used-Car Expo Oct. 22 to 24 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego to address this question.

More specifically, NRC will feature Steve Piccinati, senior vice president of remarketing at Bank of America; Greg Thibault, vice president of disposal at Avis Budget Group; Mark Mathews, director of used-vehicle activities with General Motors; Linda Silverstein, manager of remarketing and rental operations at Ford; Pete Grady, director of remarketing and fleet operations Chrysler and much more.

"Today, perhaps more than ever before, keeping abreast of the rapidly changing marketplace is absolutely critical in managing a successful remarketing organization. The National Remarketing Conference provides a forum for all who participate in our industry to meet with one another, share ideas, develop strategies and hear from the movers and shakers in our industry," explained Piccinati, of Bank of America.

"Looking back at just the last 12 months, the combination of changes in the automotive landscape are unprecedented — the faltering economy, the rise in fuel prices, the reduction in lease originations, the manufacturer turmoil and the political changes — all make it a necessity to participate in forums such as the NRC," he added.

Thibault, of Avis Budget Group, echoed these comments, saying, "The remarketing side of our business is undergoing major process and channel shifts that are evolving daily.

"Our goal at Avis Budget Group is to stay on the leading edge of these market changes and to adapt to the needs of the buying dealer to create a brand identity that can be as trusted as any in the industry. NRC provides a platform for us to listen, learn and share our story with our remarketing industry allies," he highlighted.

Another key presenter at NRC will be Pete Grady, director of remarketing and fleet operations at Chrysler, who will discuss "Surviving and Excelling in Turbulent Times."

Addressing other key challenges in today's marketplace will be dealers, repossession experts, auction executives, analysts, leading online trainers and more.

With "green" becoming a more popular than ever catchphrase and having a bigger impact than ever on the remarketing and used-car arena, NRC will also bring together several top executives from ADESA, Manheim and OPENLANE to tackle this topic.

In fact, a special session titled "Green, Globalization & Gas" will look at the impact of green initiatives, globalization and gas prices on wholesale markets in North America and throughout the world.

This panel will feature Warren Byrd, executive vice president of corporate development at ADESA; David Munnikhuysen, vice president of best practices at Manheim; and Nagi Palle, vice president of analytics at OPENLANE.

To view the complete agenda or sign up to attend before the early registration special ends, visit www.autoremarketingconferences.com.

Early registration is $795. Discounted rooms at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego are available at $269 per night until Sept. 29. To reserve your room, please call (800) 233-1234 and use the group code G-CPUN.