Society of Automotive Analysts

SAA Motoring Minds Featuring Tu Le from the Beijing Auto Show
2026-04-29 09:00 - 09:30 (America/New_York)
Join SAA Motoring Minds, a free series for automotive professionals and enthusiasts. Each session explores the latest industry trends and innovations with expert-led discussions. This is a Zoom event, but a recording will be available.
Motoring Minds is hosted by Adam Bernard, SAA President and Founder of AutoPerspectives (Adam Bernard | LinkedIn). The first episode will feature Tu Le, live from the Beijing Auto Show, who will be talking about the people, products, and brands making the biggest buzz at the show.
Adam’s special guest:
Tu Le
Managing Director
Sino Auto Insights
Tu Le | LinkedIn

Attendance is free, but please let us know you are joining us.

17th Annual Purchasing Summit
2026-05-19 08:00 - 12:15 | Marelli, 26555 Northwestern Highway,, Southfield, MI, 48033, United States
Hosted by:

Held in partnership with:

The SAA, MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers, and Plante Moran are pleased to announce the 17th Annual Purchasing Summit taking place May 19 at Marelli’s Customer Experience Center in Southfield, Mich.
This long-standing industry event brings suppliers together with OEM purchasing leaders for timely insights, candid discussion and meaningful networking. The program will open with key findings from the 2026 Plante Moran North American Automotive OEM Supplier Working Relations Index® Study, offering an inside look at the current state of OEM supplier relationships across the industry.
Following the presentation, purchasing executives from participating OEMs will join a discussion on the study’s results and share perspectives on how suppliers can strengthen collaboration and navigate the evolving purchasing landscape. The program will conclude with a networking session, providing valuable opportunities for face-to-face engagement with OEM purchasing leaders and industry peers.

Schedule:
8:00 a.m. – Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – Opening Remarks
8:40 a.m. – Plante Moran North American Automotive OEM-Supplier Working Relations Index Study Results
9:40 a.m. – Fireside Chat
11:40 a.m. – OEM Panel Session
11:55 a.m. — Networking
12:15 p.m. — Adjourn
Featured Speakers:
Mark Barrott
Partner, Plante Moran
Vice President, Society of Automotive Analysts

Dr. Angela Johnson
Principal Management Consulting, Supplier Relations Analytics, Plante Moran

Mike Lapham
Vice President, Purchasing, Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC

Marvin Washington
Vice President – Global Purchasing & Supplier Quality, Stellantis

Collin Shaw
President, MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers

Secure your spot early, as space is limited.
Clicking “Register” will take you to the MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers website to complete registration.

YPN Event: Exclusive Tour of HP Pelzer Automotive
2026-05-21 16:00 - 18:30 | HP Pelzer Automotive Systems Inc., 1175 N Crooks Rd., Troy, MI, 48084, United States
Adler Pelzer Group (APG) is a global automotive supplier specializing in acoustic and thermal solutions that enhance vehicle comfort, performance, and efficiency. APG supports major automakers worldwide with products that reduce noise, manage heat, and improve interior quality.
Attendees will gain insight into the company’s engineering capabilities. The facility features an A2LA-certified materials laboratory, a fully equipped acoustics lab with a chassis dynamometer for in-vehicle testing, and a pilot shop producing prototype parts for OEMs like Ford, Stellantis, GM, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota, and Honda
Event Schedule:
4 p.m. – FACILITY TOUR (SEE DETAILS)

Interactive Tour to gain a deeper understanding of the company’s engineering capabilities

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. – FOOD & NETWORKING

Food and Networking, including a fireside chat with the CEO

Headquarters Tour Activities
1. Corporate & Engineering Overview

Introduction to APG’s core activities
Overview of design, testing, prototyping, and development services

2. Three Rotating Stations
a. Acoustic Laboratory

Chassis Dynamometer Demo: See NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) testing on a vehicle in action.
Acoustic Box Demo: Experience how acoustic materials function to block or absorb noise in a controlled environment.

b. Pilot Shop

Polyurethane Foam Machine: Observe how material is poured to create test samples, including cup tests.
Mini Carpet Molding: Watch live carpet molding using a scaled production mold.

c. Materials

Demo Vehicle with Acoustic Package: Explore the placement and role of acoustic components inside a vehicle, and their effect on interior comfort.
Recycling & Sustainability: Learn about APG’s efforts to recycle acoustic materials and promote sustainability
throughout the product lifecycle.

Hosted by:

Thanks to our sponsor:

There is no cost to attend but registration is required.
