While the commercial vehicle industry tends to be cyclical, it is becoming clear that the future will not resemble the past, say the producers of the annual Heavy Duty Dialogue. To succeed in the future, individuals and companies
must develop strategies that fit global realities.
HD Dialogue will take place Monday, Jan. 22, 2007, at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The event will precede the second annual Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW), which is expected to bring together 2,500 aftermarket distributor and supplier executives.
Each year, industry executives meet at HD Dialogue, a one-day event organized by the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association. The 2007 edition of this event is sure to be thought-provoking as presenters will address a wide range of issues dealing with the “Flat Realities” of the heavy duty industry.
“Technology has changed the shape of the world and will also change the shape of this industry,” said HDMA Chairman Bill Diggory, of SKF. “In addition to adapting to new technology, our industry needs to adapt to an evolving global marketplace. We must recognize how the realities of a flat world will impact our industry.”
According to Diggory, attendees of Dialogue will hear thoughts on how global players are succeeding from a variety of viewpoints including a futurist, economist, market researcher, industry analyst and industry leaders.
• Jeffrey Rosensweig, a noted economist, author, educator and financial analyst for national media will open the day looking at the global marketplace and future economic and market trends.
• Consultant and futurist Derek Kaufman, the highest-rated speaker for Dialogue 06, returns to review how his predictions from last year have fared and to look at where the industry is heading.
• Peter Nesvold, a Bear Stearns industry analyst, will moderate a panel of top executives from suppliers and truckmakers getting their thoughts on the industry over the next 10 years.
Technology will also be discussed heavily in a panel moderated by Sandeep Kar, a transportation analyst with Frost and Sullivan. His panel, “Growth Opportunities Presented by Advanced and Innovative Technologies,” will include executives such as Joe McAleese, president and CEO of Bendix, and Garrick Hu, vice president of Vehicle Dynamics Advanced Engineering for ArvinMeritor and other experts.
To register, or for more information, visit www.hdaw.org.