GM Vice President Mark R. LaNeve to Open Washington Auto Show
Dynamic Auto Industry Leader Headlines Five-Day Showcase
WASHINGTON, D. C. (Nov. 7, 2007) - In a joint statement, The Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA) and the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) today announced that Mark R. LaNeve, General Motors North America vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing, will deliver the keynote address to the Washington Auto Show®: "Engineered for the Future" during International Media Day on Jan. 22, 2008, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
LaNeve is expected to talk about GM's transformational performance in a challenging industry environment and the latest environmental and technological advances in the company's product portfolio. His speech is scheduled for noon, following morning press conferences as part of Media Day activities.
"We are proud to host Mr. LaNeve, who has had great success at Cadillac and is considered one of today's most dynamic auto executives," said John Ourisman, principal, Ourisman automobile dealerships and show chairman. "This year's show will explore what it means to be 'engineered for the future,' from innovations in automotive design to green technology. As General Motors celebrates its 100th anniversary, Mr. LaNeve will offer a unique perspective on what lies ahead."
Kimatni D. Rawlins, president of WAPA, added "On behalf of the Washington Automotive Press Association we welcome the leadership and acumen Mark LaNeve brings to the automotive world and respectfully welcome his keen insight on the future of this industry."
Mark R. LaNeve was appointed General Motors North America vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing on March 1, 2005. He had served as GM North America vice president of marketing and advertising since September 1, 2004.
In May 2001, LaNeve was named general manager of Cadillac, returning to GM and Cadillac, where he began his career, following a stint as president and chief executive officer at Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. (VCNA). He left GM in 1997 to become vice president of marketing at VCNA. Prior to leaving GM, he was brand manager for the Pontiac Bonneville and held several sales and marketing positions at Cadillac between 1981 and 1995.
During LaNeve's tenure as general manager, Cadillac committed to a new design direction, launched eight new vehicles including the popular XLR luxury roadster, and introduced a successful ad campaign featuring the music of Led Zeppelin. In LaNeve's first full year heading the division, Cadillac sales rose 16 percent and, in 2003, reached their highest level in 13 years; in July 2004 the division achieved its best monthly sales since 1990. LaNeve's success with the Cadillac brand was recognized and rewarded in 2003 when he was named "Grand Marketer of the Year" by Brandweek magazine. He was singled out as one of Ad Age magazine's "Power Players" of the year in 2006.
Born in 1959, LaNeve is a native of Pennsylvania and holds a bachelor's degree in business communications from the University of Virginia, where he was an Academic All-American football player. He is heavily involved in groups supporting children with autism and other developmental disabilities, and was named to the board of directors of Autism Speaks in 2007.
The 66th staging of the Washington Auto Show will bring more than 700 new cars, trucks, mini-vans and sport utility vehicles from over 42 domestic and import automakers to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
The 2008 Washington Auto Show: "Engineered for the Future" dates and hours: Wednesday & Thursday, Jan. 23 and 24, 10 AM - 9 PM; Friday & Saturday, Jan. 25 and 26, 10 AM - 10 PM; Sunday, Jan. 27, 10 AM - 6 PM.
For more information, call WANADA at 1-866-WASH-AUTO
Now in its 90th year, WANADA represents new car dealerships throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
