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MEDIA ADVISORY/CONFERENCE CALL: 2012 BMO North American Auto Panel-Will Consumers Continue to Rev Their Engines in the Coming Year?

Leading auto expert Maryann Keller to offer insights into the road ahead

TORONTO, ONTARIO and CHICAGO, ILLINOIS--(Marketwire - Feb. 7, 2012) - With the North American auto show season in high gear with manufacturers showcasing a wide selection of new products, will consumers in Canada and the U.S. return to auto showrooms and drive light vehicle sales higher this year? BMO Financial Group will host a media conference call to discuss the challenges and growth opportunities in this key economic sector.

Three experts will provide their insight on the Canadian and U.S. markets and address areas including:

	•	An overview of the industry, including market participants, dynamics of the environment, competition/market share, inventories and pricing
	•	Consumer demand, confidence, and buying preferences
	•	Canada/U.S dealership networks
	•	Opportunities and challenges

WHAT:		2012 BMO North American Auto Panel

WHO:
	•	Maryann Keller, President of Maryann Keller and Associates, LLC
	•	Robert Sadokierski, Vice President, Dealership Finance, BMO Bank of Montreal
	•	Ghram Debes, Managing Director, Head of Dealership Finance, BMO Harris Bank

* Panel will be moderated by Bernard Simon, Vice-President, Kingsdale Communications Inc. and former North American Automotive Correspondent for the Financial Times.


WHEN:		Thursday, February 9, 2012, 11 AM (ET)

MEDIA DIAL IN:		416-695-7806, or 888-789-9572, Pass code: 8607753

Twitter:		http://twitter.com/BMOmedia

For further information:

Media Contacts:
Paul Cunliffe, Toronto
(416) 867-3996
paul.cunliffe@bmo.com

Patrick O'Herlihy, Chicago
(312) 461-6970
patrick.o'herlihy@harrisbank.com

Sarah Bensadoun, Montreal
(514) 877-8224
sarah.bensadoun@bmo.com

Laurie Grant, Vancouver
(604) 665-7596
laurie.grant@bmo.com