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Tom Gale; Phil Guarascio to Speak at AutoWeek Design Forum

30 December 1997

Tom Gale; Phil Guarascio to Speak at AutoWeek Design Forum

    DETROIT, Dec. 30 -- In its annual celebration of cutting-edge
design, AutoWeek is preparing for the fifth Annual AutoWeek Design Forum which
brings together world-class designers in the automotive industry as well as
other unique disciplines.  This year's show, held in conjunction with the
North American International Auto Show, is Thursday, January 8, 1998, and will
feature presentations by Tom Gale from Chrysler Corp. and Phil
Guarascio from General Motors .
    The AutoWeek Design Forum, co-sponsored by Johnson Controls, Inc.
, is recognized by many as one of the few opportunities where
leading designers from many disciplines can share ideas and experiences.
    "In the past, the Auto Show proved to be an excellent showcase for the
manufacturer, but lacked recognition of the design component and the part it
plays in automotive product," said Leon Mandel, vice president and publisher
of AutoWeek.  "Five years ago we saw an opportunity to create a forum which
celebrates great design and since that first year, the AutoWeek Design Forum
has grown in stature and attendance."
    This year promises to be one of the most exciting with a faculty which
includes:
    Tom Gale, Executive Vice President -- Product Strategy, Design and
External Affairs for Chrysler Corporation and General Manager -- Jeep
Operations.   Mr. Gale is one of the first auto designers to make the move
from studio to boardroom.
    Phil Guarascio, Vice President and General Manager of NAO Marketing and
Advertising for General Motors.  Mr. Guarascio will open the event at 9 a.m.
and will speak on the impact brand management has had on automotive design.
    Gordon Stannis, Design and Development Leader in the New Product Division
of Herman Miller furniture.  Stannis is a 1987 graduate of the Center for
Creative Studies and will discuss his responsibilities in pursuit of "Customer
Delight" through design excellence.
    Each AutoWeek Design Forum has included a fashion show, and this year's
fashion show promises to be an extravaganza like no other.  Charlie Hughes,
president and CEO of Land Rover will introduce Land Rover Gear, the recently
launched line of clothing and accessory products tailored to each of the Land
Rover vehicle lines.  In keeping with the theme of Land Rover's NAIAS floor
exhibit, the runway will be transformed into a steamy, tropical jungle
paradise ... a truly welcome relief from the dreary Michigan winter.
    Tickets for the one-day seminar are $150 and include breakfast, lunch,
cocktail reception, dinner and a pass for exclusive access to the NAIAS on
Jan. 8.  Students are $75.  Separate lunch and dinner tickets are available
for $75 and $100 respectively.  To register, contact Carrie Higbie at
313-446-0396.

SOURCE  AutoWeek