As the European auto industry emerges from the depths of the downturn, companies are shifting their focus from basic survival to cautious growth. But which companies are best prepared to prosper? And how will they succeed?The 17th Automotive News Europe Congress will explore the answers on June 3-4 in Brussels. The theme of the congress is “Revived and Remodeled: The Path to Global Growth.” The exclusive lead sponsor is EY.

Among the speakers is Didier Leroy, 56. As CEO of Toyota Motor Europe since April 2011, Leroy steered his company through much of Europe’s severe recession.

After beginning his automotive career in 1982 with Renault, Leroy moved to Toyota in 1998 as vice president in charge of manufacturing at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France. He rose to president of Toyota France in 2005 and to president of Toyota Europe in 2010 before his promotion to CEO.

Joining Leroy as confirmed speakers are Roelant de Waard, vice president of marketing, sales and service with Ford of Europe; Peter Fuss, senior advisory partner for automotive with EY; Jean-Marc Gales, CEO at CLEPA, a European supplier trade association; Dominique Thormann, CFO of Renault; and Stefano Villanti, executive director of sales, marketing and product strategy with Qoros Auto Co.