Arlington, Va. - The Consumer Bankers Association is pleased to announce Mike Jackson, Chairman and CEO of AutoNation Inc., as the keynote speaker for CBA's 29th Premier Automobile Finance Conference & Tradeshow, March 29-31, 2009 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Fla.

CBA's Automobile Finance Conference assembles more than 450 senior executives and industry leaders in indirect automobile finance from the nation's top lending institutions and solution providers. This year's conference will focus on strategies to bolster auto lending during this tight credit market and highlight ways to emerge from this current economic cycle well positioned to compete.

Mike Jackson has served as AutoNation's CEO and as a Director of the Board since September 1999. He was elected Chairman of the Board on January 1, 2003. Previously, he served as president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, a North American operating unit of DaimlerChrysler AG, a multinational automotive manufacturing company. At Mercedes-Benz, he led a renaissance in the luxury vehicle brand's sales and marketing efforts.

Jackson will open the conference on March 29th with a retrospective look at the industry over the last five years and his views on the shape of its future. He will share his perspective on how tightening credit availability will impact dealers and affect consumer purchasing power. He will also address how the demand for more fuel efficient cars will influence the types and quantities of vehicles manufactured.

Additional top-notch presenters will share their views on the challenges of operating under the turbulent marketplace conditions from the bank, dealer, and industry perspectives.

The annual 3-day industry event features a high-level panel and small group discussions addressing the most pressing industry topics including the health of the industry, the current credit environment, industry best practices and positioning the product to provide value. There will also be an open interactive forum encouraging lively participation and candid discussion from senior banking executives and leaders in the auto finance industry. In addition, a diverse vendor hall with over 50 solution providers showcasing the latest products and services.

"CBA's conference provides critical knowledge to help bankers navigate and plan their lending activities in 2009 and 2010," said Mark Pregmon, chairman of the CBA Automotive Finance Committee and executive vice president, Consumer Lending LOB Manager at SunTrust Bank. "This is a conference every auto lender should attend and support. Every year I put into action the valuable information I collect in the conference sessions and in my discussions with peers."

"Today's credit environment is putting intense pressure on the auto business and the industry is facing dynamic change in the coming months," said Joe Belew, president of the Consumer Bankers Association. "For nearly 30 years, CBA's commitment to the auto industry has brought thought leaders together to discuss strategy and share best practices. The program reflects the changes in the industry and provides our attendees with the insight they need to plan their business going forward."