DETROIT, Mich., Jan. 16, 2012 - A world of great vehicles, connectivity and interaction awaits families and auto enthusiasts at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2012. The show, which opened to the public Saturday, runs through Jan. 22, and continues to draw thousands of enthusiasts. Yesterday's opening day was the strongest in five years with 92,106 visitors.

"Nearly every display here at NAIAS features an interactive family-oriented element," said Bill Perkins, chairman, NAIAS 2012.  "The more than 500 vehicles are fantastic to look at and sit in, and with today's emphasis on connectivity and advanced technology, the exhibits take the show to the extreme. I've said all along, this show will educate, astonish and entertain. And it's doing just that."     

New special events have been added including the main floor NAIAS Parade of Cars and Stars, which has been pleasing thousands of onlookers twice daily. Led around the inner loop of the show floor by police motorcycles with flashing lights and sirens, three luxury vehicles -- an Aston Martin, Bentley and Chevrolet Corvette -- drive slowly around the show as thousands of digital cameras flash. Several characters from The Parade Company follow along, while celebrities (Thomas Hearns, and Miss Michigan USA Kristen Danyal) waved to the crowds Sunday. The parade will be repeated Monday and Tuesday; and Thursday - Sunday, at 3:30 and 7:00 pm.

Other activities include coloring contests in the Cobo Center Food Court; Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan; live musical entertainment; and local radio stations broadcasting on site. In Michigan Hall, the Pure Michigan Ride and Drive test track remains open throughout the show, enabling visitors to take a test drive in an electric or hybrid vehicle.

NAIAS ticket prices: Adults: $12; Seniors: $6; Children 7-12: $6, 6 and under: free when accompanied by a parent or guardian, for more information on the show, visit naias.com

NAIAS Events Schedule:

• NAIAS Education Day - Wed., Jan. 18, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., preregister at naias.com/ned/
• Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan, Paws and players, Jan. 20, 3:30 p.m. Parade, 4 p.m. Q&A follows parade
• WXYZ TV Channel 7 Family Day, Fri., Jan. 20 - fun activities, and WXYZ personality appearances
• NAIAS Parade of Cars and Stars, Jan. 16-17, Jan. 19-22 at 3:30 and 7 p.m.
• Musical Entertainment in Cobo Center Food Court, Riverview Ballroom, weekends
• Radio Stations Broadcasting at NAIAS: 93.9 The River, AMP Radio, MIX 96.7 CHYR FM, 100.7/95.1 The Rock CKUE, 97.1 The Ticket, WJR, WOMC, WWJ, WYCD

NAIAS Interactive Exhibits include:

Cadillac

• Cadillac User Experience live demonstration, tech walls, interactive display walls

Chevrolet

• Time Splice Camaro experience
• Sonic Boom Music Mixer
• Build Your Own Button
• Graffiti Wall
• Favorite Concept voting
• GM OnStar iLink

Cobo Center coloring contest in the Cobo Center Food Court (located at the end of the concourse toward the Detroit River)

CODA

• The Commitment Wall for guests to tweet about how they plan to change the world

Ford

• Ken Block Gymkhana Experience
• Ford - Living Connected Cloud Experience Ride

Kia

• Xbox Connect
• Kia - Close Encounter Dance with "Hamstars"
• Kia - Eco Challenge Simulator
• Scion - sXExperience Music Maker

Toyota

• Safety Simulator
• Live Talk Show
• The Fun V, or the smart phone on wheels

Touch Wall

NAIAS Sponsors
The NAIAS would like to thank its premier sponsors: Delta Air Lines, DENSO, Johnson Controls, KPMG, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michelin, ZF Group, as well as its official sponsors: AutoTrader.com, ion Television, MSN Autos, Panasonic Automotive, and Schaeffler. Charter One, part of the RBS group, is the Presenting Sponsor of Charity Preview.

About the North American International Auto Show
Entering its 24th 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