Detroit, Mich., Jan. 19, 2013 - With a
decidedly upbeat mood inside Detroit's Cobo Center, more than a
hundred thousand people enjoyed opening day at the 2013 North
American International Auto Show (NAIAS). That's an 11.96 percent
increase over opening day last year.
"First day attendance was the strongest in eight years," said
Jim Seavitt, chairman, 2013 NAIAS.
"The celebration of cars continued today in Detroit, and the
show floor was packed from open to close," said Seavitt. "We
started the week strong during Press Preview with 50 worldwide
vehicle introductions and nine North American reveals. Combined
with the rapidly growing strength of the auto industry, the show
has really created excitement among car enthusiasts."
And, among those expressing interest, a seven-year old boy from
Livonia who raced to the first car he saw, a Honda concept, as the
show floor opened.
"Take a picture of that car, dad," he said. "Whoa, take
a picture of all the cars!"
The mood was cheerful off the show floor, too, as show goers
took advantage of Cobo Center's new sun-drenched Riverview Atrium
and rested on the grand staircase.
Among the most popular attractions inside the show?
"Hands down, the new Corvette," said NAIAS Vice Chairman, Bob
Shuman. "People actually ran to it when the doors opened. Last time
I checked there was a large crowd six-deep in front of it."
Driving simulators at Chevy, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda and
Toyota attracted a lot of attention, as did the highly interactive
exhibits themselves.
"And, you can't get more interactive than a ride & drive,"
added Shuman. "This year we have the Aisin Drive Green Experience
in Michigan Hall featuring EVs and Hybrids and, for the first time,
electric scooters."
NAIAS Public Show ticket prices: Adults: $12; Seniors: $6 (65
and older); Children 7-12: $6 (6 and under: free when accompanied
by a parent or guardian). For more information visit naias.com.
For more information contact Rohatynski-Harlow Public Relations,
LLC, Joe Rohatynski or Marc Harlow at 248.643.2450, or NaiasMedia2013@roharpr.com.
NAIAS Sponsors
NAIAS 2013 would like to welcome its Premier Sponsors: Delta Air
Lines, DENSO, Johnson Controls, KPMG, Michigan Economic Development
Corporation, Michelin and ZF Group, as well as its Official
Sponsors: AutoTrader.com, MSN
Autos, Panasonic Automotive, Schaeffler, and Opportunity Detroit.
Charter One / RBS Citizens serves as Presenting Sponsor of Charity
Preview. AISIN joins NAIAS as Title Sponsor of the AISIN Drive
Green Experience.
