Troy, MI. Jan. 25, 2011 - Organizers of the
2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced today
the overwhelming success of this year's world-premier event citing
increases in international media turn out, vehicles revealed,
manufacturer returns for 2011 and already for 2012, as well as
public attendance figures. A sampling of unprecedented milestones
since the challenged global economy's effects of 2009
include:
- Press Preview attendance of 5,000 international media from 60
countries.
- 55 new product unveilings, with significant first-time
seen "world-wide" reveals.
- 21,000-plus visitors attended the two-day Industry Preview
representing 27 countries (approximately 16,000 attended in
2010).
- $2.6 million raised for local children's charities by a
goal-surpassing 10,500 attendees at the annual black-tie gala,
Charity Preview.
- A second straight year of public attendance increases with
735,370 visitors to NAIAS, which included the breaking of a
single-day record from 1993 of 74,900 for a Friday, with 75,327
attending this year. The total attendance for 2010 NAIAS was
714,137.
"The 2011 NAIAS validated all promises made by exhibitors in
2009 and 2010 as the product pipeline is full and vibrant," said
2011 NAIAS Chairman, Barron Meade. "The ability to rise up from the
difficult economic times of the recent past in glowing fashion
indicates a positive ripple effect for our local, national and
global economies. NAIAS is again proud to kick off a new year by
providing a global stage for so many to be spotlighted."
Meade also noted the economic impact for the region saw another
boost as it is estimated between $350 and $375 million was funneled
into the local economy from visitors to NAIAS in the form of
hotels, transportation, catering and entertainment, a more than $25
million improvement over the 2010 NAIAS.
This year saw the return of Porsche and the announcement that
Nissan will be returning in 2012. In addition, while the
press conference schedule provided an unprecedented amount of news
and coverage, NAIAS leadership is listening to its customers: the
manufacturers, the auto suppliers, and the media, and is already
planning a two-day 2012 press conference schedule which will best
accommodate anticipated news as well as the likelihood of more
manufacturer representation.
Bill Perkins, 2012 NAIAS Chairman, indicated the recent show has
set a strong foundation for the next, and that exciting updates
about the 2012 show will be provided throughout the coming
year.
"What sets NAIAS apart and keeps it a global draw from so many
influential audiences is its commitment to not rest on its laurels,
but to keep building, striving and adapting," Perkins said. "The
work and updates we are hearing from Cobo Center management as to
what is planned for Cobo Center for the 2012 show will have people
awed and amazed. This was an outstanding year, but I already can't
wait for what is around the corner for 2012 NAIAS."
Watch for exciting local and national broadcasts from
the NAIAS:
Locally, WWJ-TV CBS Detroit, with the Detroit Economic Club and the
Detroit Auto Dealers Association, presented a fabulous
headline-grabbing "BIG FOUR" event with Oakland County
Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Wayne
County Executive Robert Ficano and Macomb County Executive Mark
Hackel. You can see it as a "Michigan Matters" special airing
11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29, on WWJ-TV CBS Detroit.
The NBC Sports "International Auto Show" special will air
Sunday, Jan. 30 from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. EST. The
show will once again bring the excitement of the NAIAS into
millions of homes and will include an up-close and personal look at
some of the world's hottest and most fascinating vehicles on
display at NAIAS.
Update your calendar - 2012 NAIAS dates
are:
Press Preview - Monday, January 9 and Tuesday, January 10
Industry Preview - Wednesday, January 11 and Thursday, January
12
Charity Preview - Friday, January 13
Public Show - Saturday, January 14 through Sunday, January 22
