NEW YORK -

The agenda for the NADA/IHS Automotive Forum 2011 was recently released, and included in the one-day event are seminars and panel discussions featuring several top-level executives in the auto industry. Automaker executives, leaders at auto-related companies and dealer associations, economists and journalists will be among the many presenters and panelists slated to participate in the April 19 event at the New York Hilton.

For instance, the keynote address portion will feature General Motors chairman and chief executive officer Dan Akerson along with a Q&A with AutoNation chairman and CEO Mike Jackson.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz USA president and CEO Ernst Lieb will participate in a panel discussion alongside several other OEM executives.

The event is hosted by the New York International Auto Show. Louis Giordano, chairman of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, will offer a preview of the auto show to attendees.

Among other sessions, the forum will also feature closing comments from the chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, Stephen Wade.

More information can be found at www.autoforumny.com.

The following is the complete agenda, as of Feb. 16:

7:15 a.m. (EST) Registration and Continental Breakfast sponsored by Experian Automotive

8:00 a.m. Opening Remarks
Stephen Wade — NADA chairman

8:15 a.m. The Road Ahead for New Automotive World — Risk, Reward and Opportunity
An Overview of the U.S. Economy and the Automotive Industry
Nariman Behravesh — chief economist, IHS
George Magliano — Senior Principal Automotive Economist, IHS

9:15 a.m. Accelerating Out of the Curve: Detailed insights into dynamic automotive market share trends
Scott Waldron — president, Experian Automotive

9:35 a.m. Question & Answer
Moderator Rebecca Lindland — director of automotive strategic review, IHS

9:50 a.m. Keynote Address
Dan Akerson — chairman and CEO, General Motors
Q&A with Mike Jackson — chairman and CEO, AutoNation

10:25 a.m. Networking Break sponsored by Global Automakers

10:55 a.m. Panel Discussion — Manufacturer Perspective
Moderator Mike Jackson — chairman and CEO, AutoNation
Tom Doll — executive vice president, Subaru of America
Brian Carolin — senior vice president, Nissan North America
Bob Carter — group vice President Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales
Ernst Lieb — president & CEO, Mercedes Benz USA
Dave Zuchowski — vice president national sales, Hyundai Motors America

11:45 a.m. AutoTrader Presentation
Chip Perry — CEO/president, AutoTrader

12:10 p.m. Lunch hosted by AutoTrader.com

1:15 p.m. Advanced Technologies Panel
Moderator Joe White — senior editor, The Wall Street Journal
Eric Fedewa — director of powertrain and technology, IHS Automotive
TBD — Nissan North America

2:15 p.m. Preview of the New York International Auto Show
Louis Gordiano — chairman, Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association

2:25 p.m. Networking Break

2:50 p.m. Retail Featured Speaker
Creating Synergies between social media and tier 1-3 advertising
Mike DeCecco — director of business development, Dealer.com
Doug Frisbie — automotive strategist, Facebook

3:10 p.m. Panel Discussion — Retailer Perspective
Moderator John Casesa — senior managing director, Guggenheim Securities, LLC
TBD — Penske Automotive Group
Dean Evans — chief marketing officer, Dealer.com
Mac McLarty — chairman, McLarty Companies
Stephen Wade — chairman, NADA

4:10 p.m. Media Panel Discussion
Summary of the Forum and perspectives on Risk, Reward and Opportunity for the Auto Industry
Moderator Alex Taylor — senior editor, Fortune Magazine
Bernard Simon — Financial Times
Bill Vlasic — New York Times
Alysha Webb — freelance journalist and Chinese auto industry blogger
Joe White — senior editor, The Wall Street Journal

4:55 p.m. Closing Comments
Stephen Wade — chairman, NADA

5:00 p.m. Forum Reception