Orland Park, IL — October 21, 2008 — Four top maintenance executives from international, regional and local heavy duty truck fleets will discuss the factors that drive their decisions on the who, where, when and how of purchasing parts. The panel discussion will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 23 during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW). HDAW is from Monday, Jan. 21 through Thursday, Jan. 24 at The Mirage in Las Vegas, Nev.

Moderated by Bruce Plaxton of BGP Marketing, the panelists include Sid Gooch of FedEx, Steve Duley of Schneider National, Carl Lyth of Pepsi Cola and Kevin Tomlinson of South Shore Transport. These business leaders will provide insights on such topics as point of operation (urban versus rural), vehicle age and trade cycle, vehicle weight class and type of part.

"This group of highly regarded fleet executives will provide an excellent perspective on the HD parts replacement process and will take any and all questions from the audience on their business," said Jerry Weis of Ott's Friction, HDAW '08 program chairman.

More key industry speakers and experts are featured as part of the highly rated HDAW '08 conference program, the most comprehensive in the heavy duty aftermarket. Complete details on all of the conference are available at www.hdaw.org.

*  The HD Aftermarket Forum, Stu MacKay of MacKay and Co.
*  "The Two-Minute Drill: Lessons for Rapid Organizational Improvement from America's Greatest Game," Dr. Clint Longenecker, University of Toledo
*  "Access to Repair Information: an Industry Perspective," Dave Scheer of Inland Truck Parts (Editor: A "Don't Miss" session.)
*  "Brand vs. Non-Brand: Who is Taking the Risk?," Jerry Weis of Ott's Friction
*  "Improving Sales Call Proficiency: The Recipe," Tom Easton of Essential Action Group About HDAW

HDAW is presented by a joint operating committee comprised of industry leaders from American Council of Frame and Alignment Specialists (ACOFAS), Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN), Heavy Duty America (HDA), Heavy Duty Distribution Association (HDDA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), Heavy Duty Remanufacturing Group (HDRG), International Truck Parts Association (ITPA), Overseas Automotive Council (OAC), Power Heavy Duty, Service Specialists Association (SSA), Truck Pride and VIPAR HD Parts.

For more information on exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities at HDAW 2008, contact Bill Glasgow, Sr., conference manager, at 708-226-1300 or e-mail info@hdaw.org.