Switzerland becomes centre for international automotive professionals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) January 7, 2004 -- Participants keen to learn how customer insight is a catalyst to profitable business will join the industry experts for a one and a half day programme followed by a half day visit to the International Geneva Motor Show.



�The automotive industry is now experiencing one of its greatest times of change� reports David Jamieson, chairman of the programme committee, �product quality used to be king, but now customer experience has to be the key focus�.

He continues �The challenge for manufacturers is to rethink their strategies. Where can they add value in existing markets? How can they understand customers in emerging markets?�



Together with the research industry, we need to tackle these issues through greater and more focused insight and create products and services to meet the customers� needs� comments Simon Wilson, Global Consumer Insights Manager, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover, UK.

The programme, reflecting a partnership with the research industry, welcomes insight leaders from BMW Group - Cargo Motors - DaimlerChrysler Research - Ford Motor Company - General Motors - Jaguar & Land Rover - UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) - Volkswagen - Toyota Motor Marketing Europe.



Top marketing, distribution, service, advertising and research professionals from the global automotive market will benefit from cases that demonstrate understanding in New Markets, Delivering Brand and Product Promises, Emerging Methodologies and Customer Satisfaction.



Participants will also explore with vision leaders, possible scenarios of the world in 2010, the subsequent impact on the car industry and how the research industry would need to adapt with further innovation.

The marketing and opinion research industry now accounts for some Euro 17 billion and employs more than 650,000 people worldwide. Ten countries account for over 80% of the global turnover and nearly 60% of research turnover is accounted by the largest 25 companies.



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ESOMAR�s mission is to promote the use of Opinion and Market Research for improving decision making in business and society worldwide. Founded in 1948, ESOMAR unites 4000 members in 100 countries. The Society facilitates the exchange of experiences between suppliers and users of research in order to optimise the integration of research results into the decision making process.