NAIAS Reveals 2009 Dates, Reviews North American International Auto Show 2008

DETROIT, Feb. 8, 2008 – The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced today that the 2009 show will take place Jan. 11 - 25, 2009 at Cobo Center in Detroit. Press Preview will be held Sunday, Jan. 11 through Tuesday, Jan. 13. Industry Preview will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14 and Thursday, Jan. 15. The annual black-tie Charity Preview gala will be held Friday evening, Jan. 16. Public Days will be held Saturday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 25.

Highlights:
- NAIAS 2008 featured 58 vehicle debuts and several firsts including special events, political and celebrity appearances
- Welcomed more than 700,000 attendees, 6,000 media, 37,000 industry insiders
- hosted NBC Sports and CNBC national broadcasts

In review of NAIAS 2008, organizers reported that of the 58 total vehicles unveiled, 44 were worldwide debuts and 14 were North American debuts. The NAIAS also welcomed more than 700,000 attendees, 6,000 international media from nearly 60 countries along with a host of celebrities and 37,000 industry insiders from 2,000 companies. In addition, $6 million was raised for children’s charities at the annual black-tie Charity Preview.

“The NAIAS Committee is proud to host this world-class event each year for the thousands of media, industry insiders and enthusiasts,” said Carl Galeana, senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2008. “By evolving each year to incorporate more special events, celebrity appearances and amenities, the NAIAS will continue to attract top media, industry executives and production and concept vehicle debuts.”

“Serving as senior co-chairman has been an honor and privilege,” continued Galeana. “It has been an amazing experience to lead the NAIAS Committee through a successful year of incredible events. It is with great pride that I pass the Senior Co-chairman title to my colleague Joe Serra. He and Co-chairman Doug Fox will make a great team as leaders for the 2009 NAIAS.”

The NAIAS 2008 was featured in two national broadcast specials. CNBC aired a one-hour special, “CNBC Special Event: Detroit Auto Show All Access,” on Jan. 14 from 9 to 10 p.m. EST, and NBC Sports broadcasted a one-hour program titled, “International Auto Show” on Sunday, Jan. 20 from 3 to 4 p.m. EST.

The excitement surrounding the NAIAS was heightened by the presence of several celebrity and political guests. Notable political guests included Presidential Candidates Mike Huckabee, John McCain and Mitt Romney; U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman; Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox.

Other entertainers included singers Bryan Adams, Mary J. Blige and Toby Keith; celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck; Monster Garage host Jesse James; IndyCar Series driver and “Dancing with the Stars” champion Helio Castroneves; NBA All-stars George “Iceman” Gervin, Willis Reed, Bill Walton, Spud Webb and Dominique Wilkins; Katie Feenstra from the WNBA’s Detroit Shock; Richard “Rip” Hamilton from the NBA’s Detroit Pistons; actors Kim Catrall, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosie Perez, Drew Sidora and Lisa Vidal; heavyweight boxer Evander Holyfield, hip-hop legend Funk Master Flex; media moguls Damon Dash and Russell Simmons; The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’s Ross “the Intern” Matthews; among several others.

For the first time ever, the NAIAS 2008 welcomed guests to an exclusive, invitation-only intimate evening with international, luxury carmakers titled “The Gallery,” sponsored by Celani Vineyards, LeMay Museum, Michelin, Northwest Airlines, Condé Nast Portfolio Magazine, RBS/Charter One, Sprint, Tiffany & Co., the Detroit Regional Chamber, Wired Magazine, and the Young Presidents’ Organization.

Also for the first time, the annual Charity Preview black-tie gala, held on Friday, Jan. 18, included an hour and 15 minute performance of the rock-band, Barenaked Ladies, presented by Sprint. The sold-out fundraiser hosted 15,000 guests and raised more than $6 million for 12 children’s charities. Other lead sponsors of the evening included RBS/Charter One and Northwest Airlines.

Signature events, Automotive Education Day on Jan. 23, presented by State Farm Insurance, and NAIAS Racing Day on Jan. 25, presented by Sprint, were also noted for their success according to NAIAS organizers.

6,000 secondary education students attended Automotive Education Day at the NAIAS. The event featured attractions by exhibitor participants American Red Cross SE Michigan Chapter, BMW, Chrysler, General Motors, DENSO, Ferris State University, Macomb Community College, Michigan Secretary of State, Northwood University, SAE International’s A World in Motion (AWIM) program, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), State Farm Insurance and Walsh College.

In its third year, NAIAS Racing Day drew more than 68,000 visitors to the NAIAS for autograph signings with drivers from notable racing organizations. Drivers that appeared included NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Greg Biffle, and Sam Hornish Jr., IndyCar Series drivers Marco Andretti and Tony Kanaan, American Le Mans Series driver Bryan Herta, and Stock Car World Speed Record Holder Russ Wicks.

NAIAS 2008 VEHICLE DEBUT LIST – Updated from announcement made on Jan. 24

WORLDWIDE PRODUCTION
2009 Cadillac CTS-V
2008 Chevy Impala 50th Anniversary Edition
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode Hybrid SUV
2009 Audi TTS Coupe
2009 BMW 1-Series Ragtop Convertible
2009 BMW X6 Sport Activity Coupe
Changfeng Kylin
Changfeng Liebao CS7
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
2009 Dodge Ram
2010 Fisker Karma
2009 Ford F-150
2009 Ford Glass Roof Mustang
2009 Hyundai Genesis
2009 Kia Borrego
Maserati Quattroporte Collezione Cento
2009 Mazda RX-8
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
Mercedes-Benz Carbon Fiber SLR McLaren Roadster
2009 Toyota Venza
2009 Volkswagen Passat CC

WORLDWIDE CONCEPT
Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept
Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept
Chrysler ecoVoyager
Dodge ZEO
Ford Explorer America Concept
Ford Verve Sedan Concept
Ferrari Biofuel-Powered F430 Spider Prototype
2009 Honda Pilot Prototype
Hummer HX Concept
Jeep Renegade
Land Rover LRX Concept
Lexus LF-A Roadster
Lincoln MKT Concept
Mazda Furai Concept
Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK Freeside Concept
Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK Townside Concept
Mitsubishi RA Concept
Nissan Forum
Saab 9-4x Concept
Saturn Flextreme Concept
Saturn Vue Green Line Plug-in Hybrid Prototype
Toyota A-BAT

NORTH AMERICAN PRODUCTION
2009 Audi A4
2009 BMW 335d Sedan
2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d9
2009 Subaru Forester
Maybach Landaulet

NORTH AMERICAN CONCEPT
BYD H6 DM Hybrid Car
Buick Riviera Concept
Citroen C-Sport Lounge
Dodge Hornet
Ford Verve Three-Door Concept
Honda CR-Z
Kia Kee
Mazda Taiki Concept
Nissan Effis

The North American International Auto Show
Rod Alberts – Executive Director
Entering its 21st year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world and is 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. The NAIAS Web site can be accessed at www.naias.com. Don’t Miss It For the World!

Source: North American International Auto Show

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