Tony Cristello of BB&T Capital Markets To Present Aftermarket Forecast at GAAS 2010

CHICAGO, IL – April 21, 2010 – Tony Cristello, senior vice president, BB&T Capital Markets, will examine the financial past and future of the aftermarket at the 2010 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), May 18-19 at the Hyatt Regency near Chicago. Cristello, one of the most popular speakers during previous appearances at GAAS, will address "The Economy and the Aftermarket."

"A year ago, we were cautiously optimistic that 2009 would prove to be a solid year for the aftermarket. Between a financially constrained consumer base, reduced new vehicle sales, and the fallout of dealership closings, we thought underlying industry fundamentals for the independent aftermarket would improve - and they did," said Cristello. "Now many investors are asking, 'Is this a temporary phenomenon or rather a multi-year cycle that should provide above average growth in 2010 and beyond?'” We will take a look at how the publicly traded companies in our coverage universe have performed, which were the winners (and losers) and what, if any, structural shifts may have occurred across the automotive supply chain as a result of one of the worst macro environments on record."

Cristello directs the automotive aftermarket research platform at BB&T Capital Markets. He has been featured on various television programs discussing the aftermarket industry, including CNBC and Bloomberg television. Before rejoining BB&T Capital Markets Equity Research in 2000, Cristello was an associate analyst with ABN AMRO in Chicago. He is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. BB&T Capital Markets is the only Wall Street firm with an equity research team dedicated exclusively to the automotive aftermarket industry.

To register for GAAS 2010, visit http://www.globalsymposium.org/registration.shtml. GAAS 2010 room rates at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare are $168 (single or double). The date to receive this guaranteed, discounted room rate has been extended until Monday, April 26. Reservations can be made by phone at (800) 233-1234, or (847) 696-1234. Be sure to mention the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium to obtain the discounted group rate.

For more information on GAAS 2010, visit www.globalsymposium.org or phone (301) 654-6664.