Troy, MI - Jan. 9, 2011 - Thousands from the global automotive industry continue to gather in Detroit this weekend for one of the world's premier events, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) at Cobo Center. Within the next 72 hours, international opinion leaders will be seeing 30-40 worldwide vehicle debuts, but also exchanging ideas and strategies that affect global economics.  Impactful events and significant conferences taking place during NAIAS include:

• NAIAS will welcome representatives of international auto manufacturer associations, many of which are also members of the Paris-based Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles" (OICA), including: Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA); Associazione Nazionale Fra Industrie Automobilistiche (ANFIA), Torino, Italy; Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), organizers of the Tokyo Motor Show; Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA),which organizes the Frankfurt Motor Show; and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Washington; also, there will be representatives of other international auto shows such as GL Events Italia, the organizing company of Bologna Motor Show, Bologna, Italy; and the Canadian International Auto Show, Toronto.
• Titled "New Opportunities, New Challenges, New Insights," the 23^rd Annual Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA) Automotive Outlook Conference, sponsored by PwC Autofacts, will take place later today at Cobo Center. Steve Carlisle, vice president, Global Product Planning, will speak about GM's future technology and vehicle plans.

He will join an impressive lineup of speakers which includes Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas.

"The vehicles grab global attention at NAIAS, but not just as outstanding examples of design and innovation," Tavares said. "The amount of new product serves as the direction for the world's economic future.  This, in addition to the unique audiences this show gathers, makes Nissan proud to say it will be returning to NAIAS as an exhibitor in 2012. It is an excellent forum for us to place a spotlight on products that will be carrying us all into the future."

• NAIAS 2011 will again be the backdrop for the announcement of the North American Car and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) awards on Monday, Jan. 11. The awards, given by 49 veteran automotive journalists from Canada and the United States, recognize the most outstanding new vehicles of the year. These vehicles are benchmarks in their segments, based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.
• An influential lineup of nearly 20 executives will discuss the tough issues facing the industry today and how they are forging new business models as they address the theme, "Prospering in the Next Normal" at the 2011 Automotive News World Congress. Held Tuesday, Jan. 11 - Thursday, Jan. 13 at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, the event will feature keynote addresses from: Dan Akerson, CEO, General Motors; Mark Fields, Executive Vice President, Ford Motor Company & President, The Americas; and Ralph Gilles, President & CEO Dodge Brand, Senior Vice President Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC.

About the North American International Auto Show
Rod Alberts, Executive Director
Entering its 23^rd year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most - up close and in one place. One of the largest media events in North America, the NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world.

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Press Preview - Monday-Tuesday, January 9-10, 2012
Industry Preview - Wednesday-Thursday, January 11-12, 2012
Charity Preview - Friday, January 13, 2012
Public Show - Saturday-Sunday, January 14-22, 2012