NAIAS Press Conference Schedule Promises Worldwide Industry Impact

DETROIT, Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today released the coveted press conference schedule for the 2012 show, which opens to journalists on Press Preview days, Jan. 9-10. 

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Some 35 press conferences will be presented over two days by official NAIAS exhibitors, manufacturers and Tier One automotive suppliers from around the world. Each NAIAS-scheduled press conference will take place at the newly-expanded Cobo Center in Detroit, and adjacent Joe Louis Arena (JLA) for the Ford Motor Company reveal Monday morning. JLA is being utilized as Cobo Center undergoes a three-phase renovation, which has impacted use of Cobo Arena.

The two-day, media event schedule is packed with new vehicle and industry announcements that will make news that is sure to reverberate around the globe. With more than 40 vehicle introductions anticipated, most of which are "worldwide" unveilings, the show confirms its position among the top automotive events on the planet, and is a demonstration of the continuing confidence automakers have in the NAIAS.

The NAIAS Press Preview schedule opens on Mon., Jan. 9 at 7:15 a.m. with the announcement of the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards. The first auto manufacturer press conference, Ford Motor Company, begins at 8 a.m. at JLA. A special walking route has been developed to limit the impact on journalists as they traverse between Cobo Center and JLA and back for the continuation of the day's events.

Journalists must have NAIAS media credentials to enter the Ford Motor Company press conference in JLA.

"This is an amazing line-up of press events and announcements that will absolutely rock the automotive industry," said Bill Perkins, chairman, NAIAS 2012. "We have listened to the feedback from journalists all over the world, as well as our manufacturer partners and the Tier One suppliers that sponsor the NAIAS, and have returned to a two-day schedule packed with worldwide and North American vehicle introductions on both days. This show will educate, entertain and astonish.

"As show organizers, we take great pride in annually providing an international stage and attracting an impressive media audience so global automakers can unveil spectacular vehicles and technology for maximum news impact," added Perkins. He said the two-day schedule would not have been possible were it not for the early commitments of Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Toyota, all of which stepped-up to commit to press announcements and worldwide reveals on both days.

With more than 5,000 journalists from around the globe credentialed to cover NAIAS 2012, the show continues to be at the forefront as a venue for manufacturers to announce new vehicles and make industry news.

The Michelin Media Center (MMC) will once again be headquarters for credentialed journalists at the NAIAS. Sponsored by Michelin North America, the 22,000 square-foot MMC is located on the third level of the Cobo Center Concourse in rooms O3-45, O3-46, M3-31 and M3-32. The MMC will be open to credentialed media from Sun., Jan. 8, through Wed., Jan. 11, 2012.  Complete with computer work stations and high-speed Internet access, the MMC offers everything journalists need to effectively cover the NAIAS.

While early media registration is closed, journalists may still apply for show credentials at naias.com/media/credentials.aspx. Upon approval, credentials may be retrieved on-site at Cobo Center in January. Media credentialing is located in the Cobo Center concourse at the Oakland Entrance: Mon.–Fri., Dec. 27 – Jan. 6, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 7 closed; Sun., Jan. 8, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Mon., Jan. 9 – Tues., Jan. 10, 7 a.m.– 7 p.m.; Wed., Jan. 11 – Thur., Jan. 12, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fri., Jan. 13 closed. For more information on media credentials, call 248.283.5125.

NAIAS 2012 Media Event Schedule:

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.

NAIAS 2012 Dates

• Press Preview: Mon-Tue, Jan. 9-10, 2012
• Industry Preview: Wed-Thu, Jan. 11-12, 2012
• Charity Preview: Fri, Jan. 13, 2012
• Public Show: Sat-Sun, Jan. 14-22, 2012

SOURCE North American International Auto Show