SAA's Mission
The Society of Automotive Analysts' vision to be recognized as the platform that provides automotive thought leadership. The SAA aims to provide outstanding networking opportunities, timely and useful data and a forum for the discussion and dissemination of ideas, concepts and solutions.
SAA members include every automotive industry professional interested in timely and useful auto industry data, discussion and dissemination of ideas, concepts and solutions.
Featured Event!
Take a Break from the Heat! SAA Summer Evening Series Returns with Great Networking and Speakers
SAA members and guests will enjoy a strolling dinner, networking and insights from industry leaders at the SAA's second annual Summer Evening Series event at the MSU Education Center. Attendees will also hear from: Andy Norton, Executive Director, Global Market Research, Competitive Intelligence and Volume Forecasting for General Motors, and Bill Kozyra (pictured to the left), Chairman, CEO and President of TI Automotive. Click here for more information.
Big Six Automakers Examined the State of OEM-Supplier Relations at 4th Annual OEM Purchasing Summit
The SAA’s annual OEM Purchasing Summit has become one of the most popular SAA events -- and the 2013 edition did not disappoint. A record number of members and guests attended to discuss the status of OEM-Supplier relations. Following a presentation by Dr. John Henke of the results of the annual Planning Perspectives study that ranks the automakers’ purchasing practices, six OEM purchasing executives responded to audience questions and presented their respective programs to improve relations with their suppliers. Click here for more information.
Recipient of SAA's First "Thought Leaders of Tomorrow" Scholarship: Northwood's Michael Robbins
Northwood University's Michael Robbins is the recipient of the SAA's first Thought Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship. To read more about the scholarship winner and to view the five finalists essays, click here.
Q) Where did you grow up?
A) I grew up in West Bloomfield, Michigan, for the first few years of my childhood, before moving to Highland, Michigan.
Q) When did you know you wanted to have a future in the automotive industry?
A) After growing up in an area of Michigan surrounded by the newest, latest, and greatest cars in the automotive industry, and developing an interest in cars that could not be overlooked, I chose to pursue a career in the automotive industry.
Q) What interests you most about the industry?
A) The automotive industry offers extensive opportunities for a young man like me. That, combined with my passion for cars, interested me the most about this industry.
Q) What part of the industry would you like to be a part of?
A) I would like to see my career develop to a point in which I am involved in the management of a successful aftermarket company or automotive corporation. The performance side of this industry interests me the most, and I hope to attain a career in this sector in which I love.
SAA Members Receive Special Rate to AIAG Meeting with U.S. Department of Justice
Regrettably, there have been several recent antitrust convictions in the global automotive industry. In response, AIAG has invited the U.S. Department of Justice’s leading antitrust attorney for a conversation regarding industry collaboration and antitrust violation. This is a truly unique opportunity for law firms, automotive OEM and Supplier executives and their legal staff to meet and discuss antitrust litigation with the Department of Justice outside of a federal courtroom. For more information, click here.
SAA Announces New Members to its 2013-2014 Board of Directors
The SAA welcomed the additions of Michelle Krebs, Mary Michno and PK Rastogi to its board. "These new members continue SAA’s trend of attracting high caliber automotive professionals who are committed to help SAA continue to evolve and provide additional value to our members,” said SAA President Anthony Pratt.
Click here for more information.
SAA Members Examine "Future Fuels & Powertrains: A Reality Check" at March Networking Breakfast
Seldom in th
e history of the auto industry has there been such agreement as we now find on achieving the twin goals of national energy security and CO2 reduction. Read any automaker’s annual Corporate Sustainability Report; it’s there in black and white. The auto industry is spending billions to reach those goals and achieve the CAFÉ equivalent of 54.5 mpg by 2025. So, how are we doing as a nation and as an industry? SAA’s Networking Breakfast on March 28, 2013 at Federal-Mogul headquarters in Southfield, Mich., featured experts from the OEMs and was kicked off by former CIA Director R. James Woolsey. Click here to view the presentations.
R. James Woosley
YPN Networking Event to Look at Future Vehicle Technology
Join the SAA's Young Professionals Network for an evening of networking on April 18, 2013. The YPN will welcome Richard Jackson of Just-Auto and Dwight Brown of General Motors to share their perspectives and forecasts for the future of automotive technology. Click here for more information.
SAA Members Receive Exclusive Tours of the New York Auto Show
SAA members looking to get an exclusive, sneak peek at what would be the hot vehicles at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) received tours on March 28. The unique behind-the-scenes opportunity featured an intimate tour of the show floor before the opening of the show to the public. Polk's Tom Libby led the tours.
SAA Members Receive Discount to Motor Vehicle Metals & Resins Conference
The 2013 Motor Vehicle Metals & Resins Conference (MVMR), hosted by Advanced Purchasing Dynamics, is your opportunity to connect with the most influential professionals in the supply chain industry. On May 23, 2013, attendees will enjoy a valuable, knowledge-filled day of hearing the latest industry purchasing trends and networking with colleagues. Click here for more information.
SAA Members Kick off 2013 with Insightful Automotive Outlook Conference; Topics Included Supplier Insight, GM in 2013 and a Financial Outlook
SAA's largest and most important event of the year -- the annual Automotive Outlook Conference -- was held at Cobo Center's new Atrium on January 13. 2013. Click here for a recap and presentations from the event, which included: an impressive panel of analysts and the top economist from Ford; James Davlin, vice president, finance and treasurer, General Motors; and Dana's Jacqui Dedo (pictured left), the newly-elected chair of the OESA Board.
Featured Article - World Vehicle Sales Surpass 80 Million in 2012
A recent article from Ward's Auto World reports that double-digit growth in North America and the Asia-Pacific region more than compensated for a downturn in Europe and tepid growth in South America, pushing full-year 2012 global vehicle sales to 81.8 million units, a 5.2% gain from 2011. Read more by clicking here.
SAA Members Receive Exclusive Tours of NAIAS -- Summary of Show Floor Highlights Now Available
SAA members who attended the Automotive Outlook Conference at Cobo Center received exclusive tours on the floor of the North American International Auto Show on the first Industry Preview Day. The tours were sponsored by Polk. Members received insight from Polk's Tom Libby, pictured to the right, who provided the report below.
Click on the pdf file to the right view some of this year's highlights from the automakers.
The SAA thanks Polk for its sponsorship and coordination of the tours.
YPN Blog: A Look Back at 2012
As we finish out the rest of 2012 and prepare to usher in lucky 2013, we thought we’d take a look back at what was making headlines this past year in the auto world. From a high-profile executive ousting, to big leaps in infotainment and engine technology, and the loss of an automotive icon, 2012 had a little bit of everything for everyone.
Hot Topic
Hurricane Sandy Could Mean Gains for Auto Industry
The northeastern coast of the United States is still recovering from Hurricane Sandy and the following storms that hit the area. With an estimated $50 billion dollars in damage from the storm, many analysts have questioned how much the storm would impact the auto industry.
Strategic Planning Summit Took a Look Ahead and a Look Back
The SAA continued the commemoration of its 25th Anniversary with a special version of its 9th annual Strategic Planning Summit. This year’s Summit provided a look back at the past 25 years with a panel featuring leading analysts – and founding SAA members. A second panel looked ahead at what to expect over the next 25 years including results of an upcoming white paper on the forces of change in the automotive industry, current and emerging technologies and the pathway for bringing innovations to market. Tim Leuliette, interim chairman and interim CEO and president of Visteon Corp., provided the keynote address.
Summit Speakers, Analysts Reveal What They Might Have Done Differently
While it’s true that none of us will ever enjoy the luxury of being able to change what once was, reminiscing about what you could’ve, would’ve or should’ve done differently still proves to be an entertaining and enlightening pastime.
So at our recentannual Strategic Planning Summit we decided to do just that. From former SAA board members to current analysts and high-ranking leaders in the automotive industry, we asked a few Summit attendees and speakers to share their wisdom and what advice they’d offer their younger selves. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHAT THE SPEAKERS SAID.
Check Out the New Nissan DeltaWing
The new Nissan DeltaWing will make its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Check it out by clicking here.
“There's high potential for more global energy shocks like those of the 1970s. Iran is a year away from having a nuclear weapon and then the Saudis and others will counter with their own nuclear weapon programs. The oil-rich region is becoming even less stable. ”
Members-Only Benefit: Access to the AutoBeat Group Publications
SAA is proud to offer its members access to the AutoBeat Group publications (a $300 value). 
Members can now access AutoBeat Daily, AutoTech Daily, AutoBeat Asia and AutoBeat Europe. Get instructions on how to access these publications by clicking here.
SAA Career Center
Looking to fill a position? Or are you looking for a job? The SAA's new Career Center may be able to help. This new members-only service can be found in the members-only section by clicking here.
Young Professionals Network Offers Outstanding Networking
The Young Professionals Network (YPN) provides networking opportunities and facilitates the exchange of ideas, insights and opinions among the next generation of automotive industry thought leaders. The YPN consists of career-minded automotive industry professionals who want to stay abreast of the latest trends while at the same time expanding their network of contacts.
For more information on the YPN, click here.
Key SAA Indicators
The latest data, insight, forecasting information and much more can be found under the Key SAA Indicators. This section serves as a portal for valuable information from a variety of well-respected sources and industry analysts.
Sponsor Showcase
SAA sonsor Polk examines how and why vehicle ownership in the United States has hit new highs. Click here for more information.
President's Message
SAA President Anthony Pratt's letter to members and the industry is featured here. In his latest message, Anthony discusses how the Spring season brings renewal and details the various forms of renewal the SAA is currently experiencing.
New Member Profiles
Michael Shanlikian
Vice President of Finance
Lear Corporation
Q) What was your favorite car you owned (or still own)?
A) Lincoln MKZ
Q) What about the auto industry keeps you up at night?
A) Constant change and variability
Q) How did you first become interested in the auto industry?
A) Visiting the auto show as a kid
Q) Who do you most admire in the industry (past or present)?
A) Henry Ford
Q) What do you want to get out of your SAA membership?
A) Enhance my industry network
Jason Borra
Treasury Analyst (Capital Markets)
Lear Corporation
Q) What was your favorite car you owned (or still own)?
A) Toyota Prius
Q) What about the auto industry keeps you up at night?
A) Europe
Q) How did you first become interested in the auto industry?
A) General Motors and Chrysler bankruptcy. Huge correlation with our state economy and the auto industry.
Q) Who do you most admire in the industry (past or present)?
A) Henry Ford
Q) What do you want to get out of your SAA membership?
A) Industry insights. Direction of where the industry will be in 10, 20, 30 years.
SAA Members Can Receive 15% Off European Newsletter
Ceauto Newsletter is a weekly newsletter focusing on the Central and East European auto industry, with supplier news, interviews with key executives and other relevant information. Click on pdf file below to see a sample issue.
SAA members can receive 15 percent off the normal subscription price of $260 for 52 issues.
For more information, contact Pal Negyesi at pnegyesi@ceauto.at.
Lack of Industry Consensus Shows Technology Investment Risk -- A White Paper from Scenaria
Click file for the white paper.
The India Opportunity
A new article from KPMG examines the opportunity in one of the fastest growing markets in the global automotive industry.
Click file for article.
Join SAA on LinkedIn
SAA now has a LinkedIn group page. Please join the discussion, network with other automotive executives and be on top of the latest news and information from SAA. Click the logo to go to the SAA LinkedIn group page.
Global Truck Makers Face Stagnation Unless They Focus on a New Type of Commercial Vehicle for Emerging Markets
Find out more by clicking here.
“The United States can't get energy independence by requiring automakers to sell fuel-efficient vehicles. It will help our balance of payments a bit, but America can't substantially affect world oil prices or availability by using less auto fuel or bumping oil production. As long as OPEC has 78 percent of global petroleum reserves, if the U.S. cuts consumption, OPEC will simply pump less oil and keep prices high. ”
