Learn how to thrive in tough times

Europeans hit hard by austerity are turning to low-cost vehicles like never before. That’s why Dacia, the entry brand owned by Renault, increased new-car sales by 9 percent in January in an overall European market that was down 9 percent.

The head of Renault’s entry-level models, Arnaud Deboeuf, will share insights on how Dacia has thrived during Europe’s debt crisis at the 16th Automotive News Europe Congress on June 12 in Paris.

The event previously had been scheduled for Istanbul, Turkey.

The theme of the congress is “Moving toward a new Europe — new boundaries, new opportunities in a radically changing landscape.” The exclusive lead sponsor is Ernst & Young.

The list of headline speakers for the congress includes the board members for sales and marketing at two German luxury brands, BMW and Audi. BMW’s Ian Robertson will speak the morning of June 12; Audi’s Luca de Meo will deliver his presentation that afternoon.

In addition, the congress will feature Laurent Burelle, CEO of French supplier Plastic Omnium; Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of CLEPA, the association of European automotive suppliers; and Stuart Pearson, a London-based automotive analyst at Morgan Stanley.

The congress provides broad perspective on the industry’s biggest issues. It is attended by top industry executives and key decision makers from automakers, suppliers and service providers.