- Nuances to Press Conference Schedule Reflects International
Auto Show Trends
- Two Distinct Press Days on Monday, Jan. 10 and Tuesday, Jan. 11
Offer Never-Before-Seen Products and Technologies
Troy, MI - The North American International
Auto Show (NAIAS) today released its initial press conference
schedule for the 2011 world-premier event to be held at Detroit's
Cobo Center Jan. 10-23. The 2011 NAIAS will feature press
events by more than 15 manufacturers as more than 30 brands will
showcase an anticipated 30-40 worldwide debuts in addition to some
of the industry's top suppliers and related events.
In line with trends of other international automotive shows such
as Geneva, Paris, and Frankfurt, and to also accommodate customer
demand - both the auto manufacturers and the media who attend the
show -- the 2011 NAIAS is making game-changing moves in how it is
scheduling the cadence of some of the world's most highly touted
worldwide debuts. As a reflection of the "new normal" in the
2011 automotive industry and an unprecedented demand for news
conference timeslots from the past two years, NAIAS will feature
two distinct press days.
The first Press day, Mon., Jan. 10, will
feature exciting worldwide, never-before-seen products, as well as
significant North American introductions which will steer the
direction of the industry for years to come. The
second Press day, Tues., Jan. 11, will showcase
highly anticipated innovative technological advancements by auto
companies and suppliers while including additional key product
unveilings. NAIAS officials note more surprises are on the
horizon and will be providing updates up to show time, especially
with regard to the lineup of press conferences and critical
industry events on Tues., Jan. 11.
"NAIAS is uniquely positioned to have the flexibility to deliver
on the needs of exhibitors and media," said 2011 NAIAS Chairman,
Barron Meade. "We've heard from media and our exhibitors that with
a new year of product and information demands, we had to be
creative in our scheduling to maximize the time of international
journalists while also providing forums that address all aspects of
the industry--the trends, the innovations, and the final
products."
Other popular questions surface each year related to NAIAS, one
of the world's most highly anticipated events. This year,
Meade and Bill Perkins, Vice Chairman, 2011 NAIAS, answer questions
for the coming year:
Q. How is 2011 different than years prior at
NAIAS?
B. Meade: "The entire industry is seeing a
welcomed resurgence and as always, NAIAS is at the forefront as the
primary forum for opinion leaders from the international media,
global automotive leaders who are the decision makers of the
industry, and thousands of knowledgeable consumers looking to
purchase a vehicle. In 2009, we were asked if the industry
would survive; and 2010 saw a building of momentum. In 2011,
exhibitors and the NAIAS will deliver on the promise of the hard
work and innovations alluded to along the way."
Q. How many reveals are you expecting for 2011
NAIAS?
B. Perkins: "NAIAS is set to do what it has
always done: Set the pace for the automotive industry's
current year and provide a glimpse of the future. This year
we anticipate having between 30-40 worldwide debuts in addition to
some North American debuts and announcements of ground-breaking
technologies.
"As part of our overall commitment to the industry, we host
approximately 5,000 international journalists who attend our Press
Preview days. I'd like to note, too, that although other
shows in the U.S. may hype vehicles introduced at their show, if
you look closely at those announcements, you will find that many
vehicles have already been shown in Paris or in shows elsewhere,
and may even have also already been driven and reviewed by
journalists. At the NAIAS, we claim worldwide introductions
for only those vehicles that have never before been seen at an
international auto show, and the North American introductions are
counted only if Detroit is the first time they've been shown in the
United States. These are statistics that can't be matched by
other domestic shows.
"Additionally, we're pleased to serve another important element
of our show, the car-buying public. Having the opportunity to
get close to the newly-introduced vehicles is a good way for our
southeast Michigan--and beyond--visitors and potential customers to
make their buying decisions."
Q: What other nuances can we expect from 2011
NAIAS?
B. Meade: "Expanding its commitment to
featuring alternative energy technologies, NAIAS 2011 will feature
"Smarter Living in Michigan" presented by the Michigan Economic
Development Corporation (MEDC) and DTE Energy. This
exhibition area includes the MEDC Town Square and the Smarter
Living exposition area, sponsored by DTE Energy. "Smarter
Living in Michigan" will transform Michigan Hall into an
interactive display showcase, highlighting the many ways that
Michigan companies are building and creating "green" communities
and sustainable lifestyles. The MEDC Town Hall and Smarter
Living display area will also include a test track featuring
electric-drive and hybrid vehicles from multiple
manufacturers."
B. Perkins: "A number of enhancements
will have been made to Cobo Center by the time NAIAS 2011 opens its
doors. Cobo will have had improvements to its loading docks,
escalator upgrades, heating and cooling systems, enhanced security
management and a new catering company for all onsite food and
beverage needs. The Detroit Regional Convention Facility
Authority facilitated these changes and earlier this year approved
a long-term strategic plan for Cobo's renovation, including a
proposed expansion."
North American
International Auto Show 2011 Press Conference Schedule
-- As of 12/16/2010 --
Monday, January 10, 2011
5:00 a.m. - Media Credential Office Opens / Oakland Concourse
5:30 a.m. - Main Show Floor and Michigan Hall Opens
6:00-6:30 a.m. - Porsche Breakfast
6:30-7:00 a.m. - Porsche
7:00-7:25 a.m. - VDA/German Association of the Automotive
Industry / W2-60
Schaeffler
Group immediately following / W2-60
7:00-7:25 a.m. - Johnson Controls / D2-15
7:30-7:50 a.m. - NAIAS 2011 Opening Ceremony / Michigan Hall
Stage
8:00-8:30 a.m. - North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards
/ Michigan Hall Stage
****
8:40-9:05 a.m. - Chrysler
9:15-9:40 a.m. - Buick
9:55-10:30 a.m. - Ford / Cobo Arena
10:45-11:10 a.m. - Volkswagen
11:20-11:45 a.m. - Mercedes-Benz
11:55 a.m.-12:20 p.m. - BMW
12:25-12:50 p.m. - Audi
1:05-1:30 p.m. - Toyota / Riverview Ballroom
1:45-2:10 p.m. - Honda
2:20-2:45 p.m. - Bentley
2:55-3:20 p.m. - Hyundai
3:30-3:55 p.m. - MINI
4:05-4:30 p.m. - Tesla
4:35-5:00 p.m. - Jeep
5:10-5:35 p.m. - Kia
5:45-6:10 p.m. - BYD
6:15-6:40 p.m. - Chevrolet
7:30-7:55 p.m. - Panasonic / O2-33
Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - Times and Additional
Activities TBA
Volvo
WIKISPEED
Mach 7 Motor Sports
EMC
Li-ion Motors Corp.
Venturi Automobiles
Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) / Michigan Hall,
Smarter Living area
Michelin / Main Show Floor
ZF Group / Main Show Floor
EyesOn Design Awards / Michigan Hall Stage
DENSO / Main Show Floor
