Fred Senn, Author and Founding Partner of Fallon Worldwide, to Speak at October 3 Meeting

Fred Senn, author and founding partner of Fallon Worldwide, will be the featured speaker at the Motor Press Guild (MPG) luncheon Tuesday, October 3. Drawing on a decade of advertising and branding experience with German automaker BMW, Senn's presentation will cover why car advertising doesn't work in America and what to do about it.

Senn will explore the realities of the largest, and arguably the least effective, advertising category in the country. He'll also focus on questions like, is automotive advertising at a tipping point, and will it change radically, for the better, in the next five years? According to Senn, there will be winners and losers among the car companies and the media that serve them.

Senn recently teamed with his partner, Pat Fallon, to co-write "Juicing the Orange: How to Turn Creativity into a Power Business Advantage." The book, published by Harvard Business School Press in July, was written in commemoration of Fallon Worldwide's 25th anniversary.

Over the past 25 years, Senn has earned his stripes in the automotive advertising category; first with five years developing campaigns for Porsche, then a full decade working for BMW. In addition to his advertising career, Senn is also an experienced driving instructor for Porsche, Audi and BMW clubs in Minnesota. He has raced a 911 in Porsche club competition throughout the last 10 years.

Media Contacts:

MPG: Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049 or

Fallon: Kim Eskro 612-758-2733 or

For more information about Fallon Worldwide, also please visit www.fallon.com.

Pipas to Discuss Challenges
Facing the Current SUV Market
at Next MPG Meeting

Pipas will also address the rationale behind Ford's recent announcement regarding production cuts and how they are closely tied to Ford's Way Forward Acceleration Plan.

For nearly ten years, George Pipas has been the manager of U.S. sales analysis and reporting at Ford Motor Company. During that time he has worked closely with financial and business media, investors, and security analysts, communicating current and future U.S. automotive market trends.

Pipas joined Ford Motor Company in 1976 and has since worked in various areas of the organization including finance, communications, and sales and marketing. He began his career as a financial analyst in Ford's finance department. Pipas was appointed manager of U.S. sales analysis and reporting in 1997.

Media Contacts:

MPG: Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049 or

Ford: Dan Smith of PCGCampbell, 310-224-4954

Presentation to be published in the next edition of MPG MilePost  

ForbesAutos.com’s John Weisgerber Speaking at Upcoming Meeting

At the August 1 Motor Press Guild (MPG) luncheon, ForbesAutos.com’s Vice President and General Manager, John Weisgerber, will discuss the future of luxury car shopping online. ForbesAutos.com is the most-visited independent automotive Web site that caters to the luxury-vehicle market, only covering vehicles with a base price of $30,000 or more.

In his presentation, Weisgerber will discuss the following:

The evolving luxury marketplace, including the proliferation of makes/models, growth of luxury cars as a percentage of the market and the changing attitudes of the luxury buyer

The world of online shopping, including consumer control, the shift from price to research, buying habits by segment and recognizing the unique needs of luxury shoppers

Market predictions, including personalization tools, consumer-determined shopping, changing expectations, mobile applications and international developments

Weisgerber has been vice president and general manager for ForbesAutos.com since May 2005. During this time, ForbesAutos.com has become the most-visited online destination for in-market luxury shoppers and also has attracted nearly every luxury automotive advertiser. In his current role, Weisgerber oversees ad sales, marketing, traffic, site development and more. He has been with Forbes since 2002, most recently as Vice President, Corporate Sales for Forbes Magazine Group. Prior to that, he was Publisher of American Heritage and Forbes Custom Media. Before joining Forbes, Weisgerber served as Associate Publisher, Yahoo! Internet Life magazine and was in ad sales for a variety of publications.

Media Contacts:

MPG: Joanna McNally, 949-268-3079 or

ForbesAutos.com: Emily Kutner, 212-366-8962

Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak Speaking at Upcoming Meeting

At the July 11 Motor Press Guild (MPG) luncheon, Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak will speak about the company’s revitalization and ongoing product expansion lineup. In addition, Lajdziak will discuss the company’s marketing strategy behind its new tagline and provide a glimpse into what the future holds for General Motors’ fastest-growing brand.

Saturn is in the midst of the biggest product expansion in the brand’s history, and Lajdziak is at the helm. With four brand-new product introductions before the year’s end and upcoming entries into all-new segments, Saturn is poised for growth like never before.

Lajdziak will discuss the following 2006 new-vehicle launches in-depth:

• Sky – hot new roadster that is redefining Saturn - in dealerships now
• Vue Green Line – hybrid version of their SUV will see a 20 percent boost in fuel economy – launches this summer
• Aura – bold new sport sedan based closely on the original concept vehicle – launches this summer
• Sky Red Line – a power-boosted, performance-tuned version of their new signature roadster - launches this fall
• Outlook – distinctive new eight-passenger crossover – launches toward the end of the year

In addition to discussing current products and upcoming launches, Lajdziak also will give attendees a sneak preview into Saturn’s next-generation products and concept vehicles.

Lajdziak, one of the highest-ranking women in the automotive industry, was appointed Saturn division general manager in March 1999. In her current position, she is responsible for the brand’s sales, service and marketing operations. Previously, Lajdziak was executive director for Saturn’s Marketing and Retail Network Development, a position she held since July 1997. She has been with Saturn since 1986 in a variety of positions, and she began her career at General Motors in 1980.

Media Contacts:

MPG: Joanna McNally, 949-268-3079 or

Saturn/General Motors: Randy Fox, 313-378-5872 or

Nissan North America’s
Future Senior VP of Sales & Marketing Robert “Brad” Bradshaw
to Speak at Motor Press Guild

Bradshaw to Discuss Nissan’s Next Generation of Success, Including the Upcoming Move to Nashville

At the June 6 Motor Press Guild (MPG) luncheon, future Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Nissan North America, Brad Bradshaw, will discuss the next generation of Nissan’s success.

Bradshaw currently serves as Nissan’s vice president and general manager, but when the company moves from Southern California to Nashville this summer, he will take over for Jed Connelly to head Nissan and Infiniti’s sales and marketing departments (Connelly will retire at the end of July).

During the MPG meeting, Bradshaw will both discuss and answer questions about one of this year’s hottest and most-talked-about announcements in the automotive business - Nissan’s move to Tennessee. Topics covered will include:

o Personnel changes associated with the company’s move

o Strategy behind the move, including timing

o Plans for parts of the business to remain in California

Bradshaw also will discuss Nissan and Infiniti’s product and sales momentum, giving detailed information about the 2007 model-year lineup and future marketing strategies.

Bradshaw has many years of experience in the automotive industry, including more than 20 years with Nissan North America. Past positions include advertising manager for Infiniti Division, director of finance operations, director of marketing communications, regional vice president of Nissan’s Southwest and Southeast Regions, as well as vice president of marketing. Most recently, Bradshaw was the president of Nissan Canada, Inc., which markets and distributes Nissan and Infiniti vehicles in Canada. Prior to joining Nissan in 1983, Bradshaw worked for Ford Motor Company and Subaru of America.

When: Tuesday, June 6, 2006; Social – 11:30; Luncheon – 12:00

Where: The Proud Bird Restaurant; 11022 Aviation Blvd.; Tel: 310-670-3093

Price: Members – $20; Non-Members and Guests – $25 (cash or check; open seating/no reservations)

Members of the press: for more information about the presentation, to schedule an interview, or to request photos or a transcript:

MPG: Joanna McNally, 949-268-3079, or

Nissan: Tim Gallagher, 310-771-5606, or

Presentation to be published in MPG MilePost approximately two weeks following the luncheon (an online version and a video will also be available to members).

Nationally Renowned Legal Reform Champion, Steven B. Hantler, Featured at Next Motor Press Guild Meeting

Hantler to Discuss Tort Reform, DCX’s Campaign against Frivolous Litigation

At the May 2 Motor Press Guild (MPG) luncheon, nationally renowned tort reform expert Steven B. Hantler, associate general counsel for DaimlerChrysler, will discuss legal reform as it relates to the automotive realm, including DaimlerChrysler’s unusual campaign to turn the tables on plaintiffs lawyers in the battle against frivolous litigation.

Automakers, in particular, are painfully aware of the lawsuit-happy mentality that translates to more consumer costs and less product innovation. Hantler recently grabbed headlines for helping to bring down three crooked San Antonio lawyers who filed a bogus $2 billion product-liability case against DaimlerChrysler based on false evidence. Hantler and DaimlerChrysler are firmly campaigning against trial lawyers bringing forth frivolous product-liability cases that prove to be costly to all.

“The unfair civil-justice system at the state level has made the legal system in the United States the world’s most expensive and imposes huge costs on consumers and businesses alike,” wrote Hantler in a recent column in The Wall Street Journal. The ‘cost’ of a litigious society is borne by every resident in every state.”

At Tuesday’s MPG meeting, Hantler will specifically address:

• The situation today – is the legal crisis real?
• What are the specific implications for automakers and the media who cover them?
  
• Who are the players driving the issue ahead?
• How will achieving a fair and predictable civil justice system affect our industry and our lives?

Hantler is among the foremost leaders in the United States advocating legal reform and activating diverse coalitions of people to make legal reform a reality at the state level. Hantler is DaimlerChrysler Corporation's assistant general counsel, where, among other duties, he handles product liability and class action law suits. He also serves as Chairman of the American Justice Partnership, which champions legal reform in the states and is affiliated with the National Association of Manufacturers.

Media Contacts:

MPG: Joanna McNally, 949-268-3079 or

DaimlerChrysler: John Casey, 248-935-2911, or Mike Palese, 248-512-2682

Honda’s Senior Vice President
John Mendel
to Speak at Motor Press Guild

At the Motor Press Guild luncheon on March 7, American Honda Motor Co.’s John Mendel will speak about Acura’s upcoming 20th anniversary. Mendel will reflect on what has made Acura successful in the last 20 years, how the luxury car market differs today and what the future may hold for luxury brands.

In his current position as senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Mendel is responsible for product planning, advertising, marketing, public relations and distribution for both Honda and Acura Automobile Divisions. Prior to joining American Honda in December 2004, Mendel served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Mazda North American Operations.

When: Tuesday, March 7, 2006; Social – 11:30; Luncheon – 12:00

Where: The Proud Bird Restaurant; 11022 Aviation Blvd.; Tel: 310-670-3093

Price: Members – $20; Non-Members and Guests – $25 (cash or check; open seating/no reservations)

Members of the press: for more information about the presentation, to schedule an interview, or to request photos or a transcript, please visit our Press page.

For more information and photos about American Honda, also visit: hondanews.com.   

Presentation to be published in MPG MilePost approximately two weeks following the luncheon (a video will also be available to members).

Kelley Blue Book’s market experts to speak
at Motor Press Guild Monthly Meeting

How consumers perceive auto makers will be discussed by automotive market experts from Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com). Kelley Blue Book’s Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and market analyst, and Rick Wainschel, vice president of marketing research and brand communications, will present findings from a study of consumer perceptions to the Motor Press Guild. They will also discuss the new subcompact market, gas prices, incentives, hybrids and safety.

When: Tuesday, February 7, 2006; Social – 11:30; Luncheon – 12:00

Where: The Proud Bird Restaurant; 11022 Aviation Blvd.; Tel: 310-670-3093

Price: Members – $20; Non-Members and Guests – $25 (cash or check; open seating/no reservations)

Members of the press: for more information about the presentation, to schedule an interview, or to request photos or a transcript, please contact Joanna McNally, 949-268-3079, or .

For more information and photos about Kelley Blue Book, also visit: kbb.com/media.

Presentation to be published in the next edition of MPG MilePost (available to members upon request).

Subaru’s Fred Adcock
to Speak at Motor Press Guild Luncheon

Subaru of America Exec. VP Fred Adcock will speak on the proliferation of All-Wheel Drive in the marketplace and Subaru's leadership in this market.

When: Tuesday, October 4, 2005; Social – 11:30; Luncheon – 12:00

Where: The Proud Bird Restaurant; 11022 Aviation Blvd.; Tel: 310-670-3093

Price: Members – $20; Non-Members and Guests – $25 (cash or check; open seating/no reservations)

Members of the press: for more information about the presentation, to schedule an interview, or to request photos or a transcript, please visit: www.motorpressguild.org/press.

For more information and photos about Subaru, also visit: media.subaru.com.   

Presentation to be published in MPG MilePost approximately two weeks following the luncheon (a video will also be available to members online).

When: Tuesday, September 6, 2005; Social – 11:30; Luncheon – 12:00

Where: The Proud Bird Restaurant; 11022 Aviation Blvd.; Tel: 310-670-3093

Price: Members – $20; Non-Members and Guests – $25 (cash or check; open seating/no reservations)

Members of the press: for more information about the presentation, to schedule an interview, or to request photos or a transcript, please visit: www.motorpressguild.org/press.

For more information and photos about Cadillac, also visit: media.gm.com.   

David Schembri, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mitsubishi Motors North America, will talk about the company’s turnaround plans.

Please join us for an inside look at Mitsubishi Motors. On display will be the new 2006 Eclipse, Evo IX and Endeavor.

When: Tuesday, August 2, 2005; Social – 11:30; Luncheon – 12:00

Where: The Proud Bird Restaurant; 11022 Aviation Blvd.; Tel: 310-670-3093

Price: Members – $20; Non-Members and Guests – $25 (cash or check; open seating/no reservations)

Members of the press: for more information about the presentation, to schedule an interview, or to request photos or a transcript, please visit: www.motorpressguild.org/press.

For more information and photos about Mitsubishi Motors North America, also visit: media.mitsubishicars.com.

Born in Vietnam, Hau Thai-Tang rose through the ranks at Ford Motor Co., leading the engineering efforts on the new Mustang. He recently took over Ford’s advanced product and high-performance divisions and will be discussing increased coordination between SVT and Ford Racing.

Like many SVT engineers, Thai-Tang uses skills developed during his Ford Racing engineering rotation to improve on production programs like the 2005 Mustang and other SVT products:

“I’d say the experience and skills that a Ford engineer gains as a member of a racing program can pay big dividends when it comes to working on a production-vehicle program. The high-pressure racing environment – like I experienced with the Newman-Haas CART racing team – teaches engineers to work in a disciplined manner and to supplement subjective driver’s impressions with objective test data. Do it successfully, and the result is a car that’s extremely satisfying to drive.”

When: Tuesday, July 12, 2005; Social – 11:30; Luncheon – 12:00

Where: The Proud Bird Restaurant; 11022 Aviation Blvd.; Tel: 310-670-3093

Price: Members – $20; Non-Members and Guests – $25 (cash or check; open seating/no reservations)

Members of the press: for more information about the presentation, to schedule an interview, or to request photos or a transcript, please visit: www.motorpressguild.org/press.

For more information and photos about Ford Motor Company, also visit: media.ford.com.

Jeff Bell, V.P. of Chrysler/Jeep to speak on the current state of diesel technology in the U.S.

When: Tuesday, June 7, 2005; Social – 11:30; Luncheon – 12:00

Where: The Proud Bird Restaurant; 11022 Aviation Blvd.; Tel: 310-670-3093

Price: Members – $20; Non-Members and Guests – $25 (cash or check only; open seating/no reservations)

Members of the press: for more information about the presentation, to schedule an interview, or to request photos or a transcript, please visit: www.motorpressguild.org/press.

For more information about Chrysler/Jeep, also visit media.daimlerchrysler.com.

David Champion, senior director of
Consumer Reports Auto Test Center
to speak at Motor Press Guild

When: Tuesday, May 3, 2005; Social – 11:30; Luncheon – 12:00

Where: The Proud Bird Restaurant; 11022 Aviation Blvd.; Tel: 310-670-3093

Price: Members – $20; Non-Members and Guests – $25 (cash or check only; open seating/no reservations)

Members of the press: for more information about the presentation, to schedule an interview, or to request photos or a transcript, please visit: www.motorpressguild.org/press.

Edmunds.com President Jeremy Anwyl

to Outline Five Significant Trends in the Auto Industry

When: Tuesday, April 5, 2005; Social – 11:30; Luncheon – 12:00

Where: The Proud Bird Restaurant; 11022 Aviation Blvd.; Tel: 310-670-3093

Price: Members – $20; Non-Members and Guests – $25 (cash or check only; open seating/no reservations)

Members of the press: for more information about the presentation, to schedule an interview, or to request photos or a transcript, please visit: www.motorpressguild.org/press.

For more information about Edmunds, also visit www.edmunds.com.