Earlier this week, the 2008 North American International Auto Show opened
its doors to more than 6,000 media from across the globe at Detroit’s Cobo
Center.
Public Days will be held Saturday (Jan. 19) through Sunday, Jan. 27.
Recognized as a premier automotive showcase, the NAIAS celebrates its 20th
year as an international event and features world-class vehicle unveilings
from the industry’s top automakers, unprecedented media coverage,
distinctive exhibits and several special events incorporating automotive
design, technology and education.
Press Preview Jam Packed
NAIAS officials created the 2008 press conference schedule, which began last
Sunday and ended yesterday.
With three days of more than 40 press conferences from international
automakers including key automotive suppliers and five Chinese manufacturers
- Changfeng Motor Group, BYD Auto Co., Geely International Corporation,
China America Cooperative Automotive, Inc./ZXNA (Chamco) and Li Shi Guang
Ming Auto Design Co. - the NAIAS 2008 vehicle debut lineup is expected to
feature a wide variety of never-before-seen production and concept vehicles.
Another media draw, the winners of the 2008 North American Car and Truck of
the Year Awards were announced earlier this week and will be a featured
presentation at the show.
These prestigious, unique and independent awards are given by 45 automotive
journalists from Canada and the United States. NACTOY is designed to
recognize two new vehicles, a Car of the Year and Truck of the Year, that
are benchmarks in their segments for safety, innovation,
value-for-the-dollar, ride and handling.
Charity Preview Evolves
The 2008 Charity Preview black-tie gala featuring musical entertainment and
afterglows will take place tomorrow night (Jan. 18).
Since its inception in 1976, the Charity Preview has raised $71 million for
children’s charities in metro Detroit, nearly $40 million of which was
raised in the last six years alone. The purchase of a single Charity Preview
ticket provides medical treatment, clothing and support services for local
kids in need.
The NAIAS encourages the public to call 1-888-838-7500 to inquire about
ticket availability for the 2008 Charity Preview. Tickets may be ordered
online at www.naias.com.
An Insider’s View of the Auto Industry
NAIAS 2008 Industry Preview started yesterday and continues today and is an
exclusive opportunity for industry insiders to preview one of the top auto
shows in the world.
Tickets are $75 and can be ordered by calling 248-283-5169 or ordered online
at www.naias.com.
Celebrating its 15th consecutive year at NAIAS, the AutoWeek Design Forum is
held during Industry Preview and brings together more than 700 students, car
design professionals and allied designers, and will feature an outstanding
like-up of speakers, a tour of the NAIAS show floor three days before it
opens to the public, along with the Editor’s Choice and Reader’s Choice
Awards.
Public Show Places Emphasis on Tailored Attractions
NAIAS 2008 also hosts the second annual Photo Contest, sponsored by WWJ
Newsradio 950, and takes place on Tuesday, (Jan. 22).
Visitors with a camera and an auto show ticket will be able to attend the
show an hour early (8 a.m.) before the doors open to the general public,
giving them unprecedented access to photograph the show floor and an
opportunity for their photos to be posted on the NAIAS Web site.
Automotive Education Day returns for the fourth year on Wednesday (Jan. 23).
High school students (grades 9-12) will have the opportunity to participate
in an offsite educational experience.
This day is designed to provide an entertaining event that allows students
to learn more about the automotive industry and available career
opportunities.
NAIAS 2008 will host the 20th annual High School Poster Contest open to all
Michigan residents enrolled in grades 10 through 12. Winners for this
contest will be recognized at Automotive Education Day on Jan. 23, 2008.
Posters of the winning entries may be displayed at the NAIAS 2008 and
reproduced in the official NAIAS program, which is available to the public,
corporate executives and automotive suppliers.
NAIAS Media Partners Bring the Show to Consumers
For the fourth year, NBC Sports will air an exclusive “International Auto
Show” special, complete with NASCAR-style coverage.
The show, to be broadcast on NBC affiliate stations nationwide, will air on
Sunday, Jan. 20 from 3 to 4 p.m.
In addition, WDIV-TV Local 4, the official broadcast partner for the NAIAS
and exclusive network for the Charity Preview, will air the “International
Auto Show” special, as well as a Charity Preview special and also feature a
full complement of television programming leading up to and during NAIAS
2008.
A full complement of premier hotels, including a new downtown Detroit
property, round out the NAIAS travel headquarters’ hotel offerings for the
upcoming show.
The new MGM Grand Detroit joins a list of premium hotels available,
including the Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown, Detroit Marriott at
the Renaissance Center, Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites and the Westin
Detroit Metro Airport.
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