2011 North American International Auto Show to Feature Full Floor, Ride and Drive and 30-Plus Worldwide Debuts

DETROIT, Dec. 24, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will open its doors to more than 4,500 automotive journalists in a few short weeks with an anticipated 30-40 worldwide debuts from automotive manufacturers around the globe.

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"We're rapidly approaching January 10th when the door of Cobo Center will once again open to the NAIAS and 2011 will be another banner year for media, industry and the public alike as they will be able to explore a packed show floor," said Barron Meade, chairman, 2011 NAIAS.  "We're again bringing a wide array of exhibitors featuring the latest in environmental technologies for automotive and lifestyle into Michigan Hall with Smarter Living in Michigan sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and DTE Energy which will once again include the popular ride and drive element."

The public and media will be treated to highly anticipated debuts from exhibitors such as Audi, BMW, Chrysler, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Volkswagen, to name a few.

Show Updates and Information

The annual Charity Preview gala event is once again scheduled for the Friday prior to public days, January 14, from 6 – 9 p.m., and will feature a concert by "The Rockets," a legendary Detroit rock band.  The annual event benefits local charities and has raised more than $82 million since its inception in 1976, over $37 million of which was raised in the last seven years alone. The money raised by ticket sales provides medical treatment, clothing, and support services for local kids. Tickets for Charity Preview are currently available and can be purchased by calling 888-838-7500, or by visiting charitypreview.com.

The popularity of the MEDC's EcoXperience ride and drive showcased at the 2010 NAIAS led to another innovative exhibit to be featured at the 2011 show.

"Smarter Living In Michigan" will be presented by long-time partner, the MEDC, and will be a key feature of the 2011 NAIAS.   The exhibit will be comprised of two different areas, the MEDC Town Square and the adjacent Smarter Living Showcase, sponsored by DTE Energy.

Michigan Hall will be transformed into an interactive display showcase, highlighting the many ways that Michigan companies are building and creating eco-friendly communities and sustainable lifestyles.

The MEDC Town Square and Smarter Living display area will again bring the ride and drive element indoors with a test track featuring electric-drive and hybrid vehicles from leading domestic and import manufacturers.   Such technologies to be featured include solar cars, charging stations, batteries, transit connect, rolling chassis, and alternative energies.

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. The full press conference schedule can be found at naias.com.

• Media credentialing for NAIAS 2011 is in full swing. Those who wish to apply for a credential can visit naias.com to download a media credential application from the NAIAS Web site. A limited number of parking passes are available to credentialed media and can be requested by contacting Max Muncey at [email protected].

About the North American International Auto Show

Entering its 23rd 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.

Follow NAIAS on Twitter and Facebook for highlights and updates.

SOURCE North American International Auto Show