McLEAN, Va. -

Building stronger customer relationships often is top of mind for dealers, so that’s why one of the first events in conjunction with this year’s National Automobile Dealers Association Convention and Expo is scheduled to hone in on just that subject.

Discussing “what it takes to win big at retail” is the main theme for the International Automotive Roundtable hosted by J.D. Power and Associates on Friday, Feb. 4. It’s just before NADA’s annual event, which is set to run through Feb. 7 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

“Two things are certain for success — and that’s understanding what your customers want and then meeting their needs. Nothing happens without a buyer,” reminded NADA chairman Ed Tonkin, who is set to be a part of this roundtable discussion.

“The best way to bring shoppers into dealerships is to build stylish cars and trucks they want to buy. And when dealers and manufacturers work together, that’s when the magic happens,” Tonkin continued.

“The good news is that we’re starting to see some real evidence that things are getting better. The auto industry’s revival appears to be on solid ground,” he added.

Ways to keep that revival on solid ground will be further talked about by Tonkin as well as the other roundtable panels, which include:

—Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America.

—Ernst Lieb, president and chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz USA.

—Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager for the Toyota division of Toyota Motor Sales USA

Mike Jackson, CEO and chairman of AutoNation, plans to moderate the panel.

“We are thrilled to have Mr. Tonkin join the International Automotive Roundtable panel,” noted John Humphrey, senior vice president of automotive operations at J.D. Power.

“His profound insights on the automotive industry will add immense value to our slate of presentations and panel discussions,” Humphrey continued.

Along with the roundtable discussion, the scheduled keynote speaker is Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler. J.D. Power also plans to provide its annual franchise assessment, global automotive outlook and insights from industry experts on U.S. auto sales this year.

Finbarr O’Neill, president of J.D. Power, and Phil Brady, NADA president, are scheduled to make closing remarks.

The roundtable comes as a part of NADA’s annual attempt to reach out to its membership and offer paths to success in all segments of dealership operations.

“Every aspect of the NADA convention is designed to prepare dealers to ‘win big at retailing’ and to learn new, innovative ways to reach car shoppers — from the peer-to-peer exchange of ideas, franchise meetings and workshop sessions to shopping for new products on the Expo floor,” explained Tonkin, vice president and general counsel of Ron Tonkin Dealerships in Portland, Ore.

Beyond enhanced performance at franchise dealerships, Tonkin says he’s confident that auto manufacturing and retailing will help lead the economic recovery.

“An increase in consumer demand for both new and used vehicles, and parts, service and aftermarket sales all point to an improving outlook for auto retailing and the economy overall this year,” Tonkin insisted.

For more details about the 2011 NADA Convention & Expo visit www.NADAconventionandexpo.org.