Michigan Governor Rick Snyder kicked off the activities by setting a very positive tone for the conference.  Governor Snyder is leading state government by creating a culture of relentless, positive action for problem solving so Michigan citizens and companies are the beneficiaries.  The governor’s message on remaining forward looking, being inclusive and rejecting the “blame game” is a message the auto industry can use to its benefit.  The governor spoke to many issues, such as regulatory reform, that OESA and the MEMA Washington office are pursuing in our increased attention to state governmental relations.                                            

The bottom line from the Outlook Session panelists was that while the short-term economic outlook has significant risk for the industry, the longer-term opportunities have never been stronger.  Without a doubt, the lackluster economic outlook does not leave much room to fight contagion that might come from the European crisis.  However, greater OEM product introduction cadence, technology commercialization and global markets offer significant supplier business opportunities.  Many of these opportunities are at the heart of OESA council agendas and event plans.

The conference’s lunch keynote was one of the highlights of the conference.  Bill Ford, Jr., executive chairman, Ford Motor Company, presented open and candid remarks about Ford, the industry and the broader issues facing our country, such as the need for a national energy policy and trade reforms.  The voice of the supply base on these issues occurs through OESA member participation on the MEMA Government Affairs Committee, the annual Washington Summit and through the Action Center.

The CEO Panel with top supplier executives spoke to the OESA/McKinsey & Company Vision 2020 study.  Hans-Werner Kaas, director and leader, automotive and assembly, the Americas, McKinsey & Company, Detroit,  Masayasu “Mike” Saito, president and CEO, AISIN Holdings of America, Inc., John Corey, president and CEO, Stoneridge, Inc., and  Roger Wood, president and CEO, Dana Holding Corporation, provided a good mix of strategic  perspectives from medium and large suppliers.  The Vision 2020 study paints a very challenging decade facing the industry.  However, through OESA council participation, I am always amazed at the resilience and resourcefulness of the supply base to not just survive, but also thrive in the most challenging of times.

The OESA annual conference would not be complete if we did not give OEMs an opportunity to speak directly to our members about their plans.  In addition to Bill Ford, Olivier Francois, head of Fiat Brand Worldwide, chief marketing officer, Chrysler and Fiat Groups, Rebecca Vest, vice president, purchasing, Nissan North America, Inc., and Ray Tanguay, chairman, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, and senior managing officer, Toyota Motor Corporation, provided attendees with plenty of insights into their companies and industry outlooks.  From the OESA OEM town hall meetings to the increased OEM engagement with OESA councils and events, OESA members have a great number of opportunities to interface with their OEM customers.

The OESA annual conference shows the type of collaboration we can pursue between industry, government, the financial sector and all other stakeholders that were represented at the podium and in the audience.  No year is without its special challenges, and certainly, 2011 was very challenging for the industry.  However, through adversity the best is brought out of this great industry.  I want to thank the OESA staff and our members for all you did for OESA and the industry this year.  And I want to wish all of you and your families the very best this Holiday Season and for the 2012 New Year.

As always, feel free to contact me on this topic or any other.  You can reach me at 248.952.6401 ext. 224 or ndekoker@oesa.org.