CHRIS RHOADES, CHIEF DESIGNER FROM MERCEDES-BENZ'S ADVANCED DESIGN CENTER, TO KEYNOTE LUNCHEON

Updated Sept. 25, 2014 // McLEAN, Va. (Aug. 13, 2014) - Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America, and Chris Rhoades, chief designer and senior design manager from Mercedes-Benz's Advanced Design Center, are the featured keynote speakers at the 2014 Western Automotive Conference in Los Angeles in November.

The half-day conference, presented by the National Automobile Dealers Association and J.D. Power, follows a group luncheon and includes a cross-section of speakers and panel discussions featuring automaker executives covering topical industry issues with a special focus on the marketplace in Los Angeles and California.

The conference theme, "Connecting with Gen Y," includes presentations by John Humphrey, senior vice president of global automotive for J.D. Power, and Joe Vitale, global automobile industry leader for Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, and a panel session, "The Retailers Perspective," moderated by NADA President Peter Welch.

Hosted by the Los Angeles Auto Show and in partnership with Greater Los Angeles and California new-car dealer associations, the conference will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the L.A. Hyatt Hotel Downtown-on the eve of press days at the auto show.

The conference closes with a networking reception. Early-bird registration, which includes a $100 discount, ends today, Aug. 13.