Building Toward a Zero Friction Future in Automotive

Technology has changed the game for today’s customer experience. Vehicle shopping can be overwhelming, and the frustration is only magnified when auto customers contrast their experience when shopping for products across other categories. The good news is that customer pain points tend to make for the greatest marketing breakthroughs. Facebook will be sharing more around the opportunity behind removing friction from the automotive customer experience to get you closer to your customers as they discover, purchase and own vehicles.

Presenter: James Zayti, Client Partner, Facebook

James Zayti is a Client Partner for Facebook working with West Coast auto marketers, helping them build their brands, grow purchase intent and drive loyalty in a mobile-first world. Prior to joining Facebook, James worked at Innocean (Hyundai), PHD (Mistubishi) and Team One (Lexus).  He’s a graduate of Western Michigan University.

Increasing Marketing Efficiency by Identifying Key Industry Trends

In today’s U.S. new vehicle industry, with more than forty brands, over 300 models, and millions of potential vehicle configurations, it is incumbent on marketers to be aware of the underlying industry dynamics and how they both influence and reflect buying behavior. This IHS Markit presentation will focus on several data-driven insights into changes at the manufacturer, segment, brand, and model levels. Topics that will be addressed include continued increases in both brand and model loyalty and how to efficiently conquest in such an environment, the changing SUV landscape, the opportunities afforded by the hundreds of thousands of current “orphan” owners, and the evolving luxury landscape including its relationship with the mainstream market.  

Presenter: Tom Libby, Automotive Loyalty Principal, IHS Markit

Mr. Libby serves as Loyalty Principal at IHS Markit, focusing on the U.S. new and used vehicle industries. In this role he provides data and analysis to several automotive clients, and he also gives industry insight, data and commentary to the media.  He has more than 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, and industry analysis in the U.S. new and used vehicle markets, including more than a decade with Ford Motor Company and thirteen years with another automotive market research firm.  Mr. Libby has served as President (twice) and a member of the Board of Directors of the Society of Automotive Analysts. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Amherst College and an MBA in marketing from Columbia University.  He has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Market Research at Pepperdine University.

The Luxury Mindset: How Today's Luxury Buyers Need More Than Specs and Sales

Today’s luxury buyers are redefining how luxury fits into their lives. To build affinity, brands must move beyond a raw exchange of goods and help consumers cultivate their lifestyles. During this session, Pinterest will share insights on the unique taste of luxury car buyers, what inspires them today, and how the relationship with their car impacts their lives.

Presenter: John Gray, Strategy Lead for Automotive, Pinterest

John (@johnnythegray) leads vertical strategy for Automotive at Pinterest. He joined Pinterest from GTB, where he held leadership positions in media and technology. John’s teams planned and bought all digital and social media on behalf of Ford’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 business. Further, John led collaborative efforts between GTB and FordDirect aimed at increasing the use of technology and data to better align media investment across Tiers 1-3. Previously, he was VP of Interactive Media at Enlighten, and a partner and an associate communications director at JWT in Detroit. John is currently saving ideas about a home movie theater, unique storage spaces and stylish footwear.