WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a conference themed "Recharging Our Industry," top executives from four major vehicle finance companies will examine financing during turbulent times in a panel discussion during the American Financial Services Association's 13th Annual Vehicle Finance Conference and Exposition, slated for January 21 to 23, at The Sheraton New Orleans.

The session will begin at 8:45 a.m. on Jan. 22.

Moderated by Dennis McCuistion, host and producer of PBS' McCuistion Program, the panel will feature:

—Klaus Entenmann, president and chief executive officer of Daimler Financial Services Americas

—Thomas Gilman, vice chairman and CEO of Chrysler Financial

—Sanjiv Yajnik, president of Capital One Auto Finance

—Frank Armstrong, president of World Omni Financial Corp.

"The CEO Panel is always a highlight of this conference, and this year will be no different," said Chris Stinebert, AFSA's president and CEO. "It's a rare opportunity to gain insights from some of the best minds in the business."

Following the CEO Panel, key leaders from the National Automobile Dealers Association will present a dealer's perspective on the changing marketplace and its impact on financing.

The "Straight Talk with Dealers" panel will include NADA's director and both the incoming chair and vice chair.

The AFSA 2009 Vehicle Finance Conference and Exposition will precede NADA's Annual Convention, to be held January 24-27 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center.

To register for AFSA's meeting, please visit www.vehiclefinanceconference.com. For exhibit and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Matt Gannon at mgannon@afsamail.org.