Former Chrysler executive Tom C. McAlear will deliver the keynote address at the CBA 2003 Automobile Finance Conference and Tradeshow, March 9-11, 2003, at the Hyatt Regency, Dallas, Texas.

This year's conference, Prevailing Trends in the Industry: Staying Ahead of the Game, will take a close look at the impact incentive programs, the nation's sluggish economy, and regulatory issues are having on the industry.

In an examination of issues facing the automobile industry, McAlear, recently retired COO of DaimlerChrysler Financial Services and former president & CEO, DaimlerChrysler Insurance, will discuss strategies employed by the captives to boost sales, the impact of foreign-owned captives as well as challenges in funding, credit quality, liquidity, floorplan and retail balance.

General Motors executive Paul D. Ballew, executive director, Global Market & Industry Analysis, will share his views on where the automobile industry is headed. Ballew will also examine trends in consumer behavior, and how the economy affects consumer-buying habits.

On the technological front, James W. McIver, director, Remarketing Operations, General Motors Acceptance Corporation, will discuss GMAC's profitable business model and the strategy behind SmartAuction, the company's Internet remarketing site.

Looking at the used car market, Thomas Webb, chief economist, Manheim Auctions, will discuss how dealers are moving inventories quicker and what measures can be taken to stimulate this market.

A review of regulatory developments by Marcia Z. Sullivan, Esq., vice president & director of Government Relations, Consumer Bankers Association, will provide an update on bias suits and the global implications of on-going cases. Sullivan will also address regulatory issues impacting automobile finance, such as privacy, vicarious liability, predatory lending, corporate governance, and electronic contracting.

Additional conference highlights include: John A. Casesa, managing director, Global Securities, Merrill Lynch, and Michael P. Jennings, senior industry analyst, Banc of America Capital, who will look at how new manufacture incentives and product offerings will help to lure car buyers back into the marketplace and how such offerings will impact lenders.

About the Consumer Bankers Association

The Consumer Bankers Association is the recognized voice on retail banking issues in the nation's capital. Member institutions are specialists in consumer financial services, including auto finance, home equity lending, card products, education loans, small business services, community development, investments, deposits and delivery.

CBA was founded in 1919 and says it provides leadership, education, research and federal representation on retail banking issues such as privacy, fair lending, and consumer protection legislation/regulation.