Sustainability Mystique Unraveled by Inforum Panel
January 11, 2008

Leaders from strategic auto industry sectors will discuss future sustainability trends in the auto industry at a breakfast meeting hosted by professional women’s network, Inforum, in conjunction with the Detroit auto Show on Wednesday, Jan. 16.

Michelle Krebs, editor of Edmunds’ AutoObserver.com, will moderate the “Beyond Green: Unraveling the Sustainability Mystique” panel discussion. Panelists will be: Charlene Wall, leader of Strategic Business Development for BASF Corporation; Sue Cischke, senior vice president -- Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, Ford Motor Company; and Catherine Greener, vice president -- Consulting, ACT NOW.

Emerging technology and awareness of green issues is changing "nano- practices" that correspond with how consumers choose to behave and make buying decisions, according to Catherine Greener, vice president of ACT NOW and Inforum NAIAS Auto Show breakfast presenter. She's found that consumers' choices indicate they are beginning to select vehicles for reasons that go beyond "because it's what I want to drive." People are looking at the bigger picture of how their buying decision will impact others and the world around them.

Charlene Wall, leader of Strategic Business Development for BASF Corporation, a sponsor of the event, will discuss BASF’s sustainability efforts. BASF is a major supplier to the automotive industry in the areas of automotive coatings, catalyst technologies, plastics and polyurethanes for automotive seating, interiors, exteriors, drive chain and chassis, automotive textiles and fuel additives.

Ford recently unveiled its blueprint for sustainability, outlining a near-, mid- and long-term strategy to meet the challenges of energy independence and climate change. Sue Cischke, Ford's senior vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, will discuss Ford’s investments develop the technologies that will satisfy customer and society demands.

The event starts at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16 with registration and networking; the breakfast and presentation starts at 7:30 a.m. The event will be at the Detroit Marriott Hotel in downtown Detroit’s Renaissance Center, 4th Floor -- Columbus Ballroom, 100 Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI 48243

Tickets prices are:  Member, $40; Non-Member, $50 (Add $10 after Jan. 11, 2008) Tables of 10 may be purchased for $400, which includes special recognition at the event. Register at www.inforummichigan.org or 313.578.3230.

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