DETROIT, Mich., Dec. 21, 2011 - Call it a sign of ongoing recovery; call it pre-auto show excitement.  Either way, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2012 today reported that Charity Preview ticket sales are already up 20 percent.  Detroit's premier black-tie gala will be held Jan. 13, 2012 at Cobo Center in Detroit.

"We are seeing a decidedly upbeat industry, and all the excitement is focused on the North American International Auto Show, right here in 'The D,'" Bill Perkins, chairman, NAIAS 2012 said.  "The fact that Charity Preview ticket sales are already up 20 percent with just under a month to go is a pretty strong indicator of what's to come."

Perkins said that this region and industry, without fail, turns out to support the kids, and NAIAS is the perfect venue.

"We're thrilled for our industry. We're thrilled for our city.  And we're thrilled for the children's charities, which depend on all of us."

Tickets for Charity Preview are $250, $240 of which is tax deductible.  Proceeds from this elegant event, which mixes glamour and everything automotive, support vital services for children of all ages in the Detroit metro area.  Since 1976 the NAIAS Charity Preview has raised over $84 million for southeast Michigan children's charities - over $33 million of which was raised in the last seven years alone.

Charity Preview tickets can be purchased on-line now at charitypreview.com or for more information call 888-838-7500.

Beneficiaries of the Charity Preview include: Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit, The Children's Center, Judson Center, The Detroit Institute for Children, Think Detroit PAL, March of Dimes, Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation, and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

For more information contact, Rohatynski-Harlow Public Relations, LLC, Joe Rohatynski or Marc Harlow at 517-579-0789 office, 517-579-7313 fax, or NaiasMedia2012@roharpr.com.

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