APRC Draws Large Audience to Hear Industry Outlook and OEM Perspectives
Greg Janicki, OESA

The Dec. 7, 2011, Automotive Public Relations Council (APRC) meeting drew a large group of public relations, communication and marketing professionals. 

Kicking off the meeting was Anthony Pratt, director, forecasting, Polk, who provided an automotive industry outlook.  Pratt presented a generally optimistic forecast, with a “soft landing” of the global economy.  In the United States, Polk is forecasting a sales number of 13.7 million for 2012 with a slow rise to 16.1million by 2015.  On the production side, Polk is projecting a 13.8 million market in 2012 with growth to 15.7 million by 2015.

Following Pratt’s presentation was Todd Nissen, corporate and supplier communications manager, Ford Motor Company, who provided insight on how suppliers can work with Ford on public relations activities.  Nissen spoke about Ford’s focus on four main themes: safety, smart, green and quality. 

Wrapping up the session was an open dialogue with Rod Alberts, executive director, Detroit Auto Dealers Association and Joe Rohatynski, Rohatynski PR Consulting, LLC.  Alberts and Rohatynski provided council members insight on current activities surrounding the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

The meeting concluded with a lively forum discussion about best practices in marketing and communication.

The APRC mission is to create, develop and cultivate a network of integrated communications professionals who are dedicated to the advancement and image of the automotive industry, their professions and serving as a learning resource for the industry.  For more information or to audit the next meeting, contact Jeff Laskowski at 248.952.6401 ext. 231 or jlaskowski@oesa.org.