North American International Auto Show - 25 years strong and growing

NAIAS enters new era in transformed Cobo Center

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Dec 16, 2013, 08:25 ET

DETROIT, Dec. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As the North American International Auto Show 2014 (NAIAS) celebrates 25 years of bringing the best of the auto industry to the world stage in Detroit, it does so in a transformed Cobo Center, a world-class venue fitting for a world-class show. It all starts with the Press Preview on Jan. 13, and runs through the Public Show, concluding on Jan. 26.

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"After 25 years as one of the premier, global auto shows, the NAIAS continues to amaze," said Bob Shuman, chairman, NAIAS 2014. "In fact, if it's possible to top last year's spectacular show, considered by many as the 'best show – ever,' we are confident that we will do it this year with fantastic product unveilings, an automotive technology showcase, an improved venue, and Detroit hospitality."

Some 50 global vehicle unveilings are expected to be made on Detroit's world stage, according to Shuman.

"It will be an absolute news feast for the journalists who cover the show from around the world," he said.

Also this year, journalists and visitors to NAIAS will enjoy activities in Cobo Center's new Atrium, the focal point of the facility that now features spectacular views of one of the area's greatest natural resources – the Detroit River. Additionally, the Grand Riverview Ballroom, formerly Cobo Arena, adds a magnificent and enormous space for meetings, conventions and vehicle unveilings. Add to that renovated meeting rooms, new networking space and infrastructure improvements, and Detroit's Cobo Center stands among the list of some of the world's finest event venues.

"The changes to Cobo are not all that's new," said Shuman. "Several manufacturers will be debuting all-new exhibits at this year's show. Attendees during the Press Preview, Industry Preview, Charity Preview and Public Show will be amazed at the changes inside and out. It's truly fitting for our 25^th Anniversary celebration."

NAIAS exhibiting manufacturers include: Acura, AMG, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Equus Automotive, Fiat, Ford Division, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Scion, Smart, SRT, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, VL Automotive , Volkswagen, and Volvo.

The Gallery, The Gallery Media Event, Jan. 11-12, 2014

The NAIAS 2014, in partnership with MGM Grand Detroit, BBC.com, Tappers Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, and TAG Heuer, presents The Gallery on Sat., Jan. 11, featuring magnificent vehicles from brands such as Ferrari, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Bentley, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Jaguar, Lingenfelter, Falcon, SRT Viper among others and the finest motorcycles from BMW. Most of the vehicles on display at The Gallery will not be shown at NAIAS. Media are invited to cover The Gallery from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Sun., Jan. 12. Exhibiting brand representatives will be available to answer questions about their vehicles. NAIAS 2014 credentials, or proof of journalist status and picture ID required for entry.

Press Preview, Jan. 13-14, 2014

More than 5,000 journalists from 60+ countries are expected to attend Press Preview at NAIAS 2014 and witness the worldwide unveiling of never before seen products, as well as a number of North American introductions. Journalists will once again benefit from the Michelin Media Center being located in Michigan Hall, providing quick and easy access to the show floor. Last year's technical improvements to the Media Center will be in place again, so writing and filing stories will be as efficient as ever.

Industry Preview, Jan. 15-16, 2014

Industry Preview provides a number of special, simultaneous features presented by auto manufacturers and suppliers, with additional announcements expected from official NAIAS sponsors. Each year, nearly 30,000 professionals representing more than 2,000 companies from around the world attend NAIAS Industry Preview to compare, analyze, photograph, and benchmark the thousands of components used to build new vehicles. Industry Preview is open to anyone with a ticket, available at naias.com.

Charity Preview, Jan. 17, 2014

It is the culmination of a week where the eyes of the world are on Detroit, and the pride of the city is at its peak. Charity Preview is a celebration of the generosity of the people of the Metro Detroit area that raises millions of dollars in one spectacular evening. Presented by Charter One / RBS Citizens, the VIP, star-studded event adds even more glitz and glamour to an already amazing week in Detroit. Charity Preview is the largest single-night fundraiser in North America, and directly benefits a wide range of children's charities with funds supporting services for children of all ages.

Since 1976, Charity Preview has raised more than $91 million for southeastern Michigan children's charities -- over $47 million of which was raised in the last 10 years alone. Tickets for the 2014 event are $350 ($340 of which is tax deductible) and can be purchased on-line now at charitypreview.com or by calling 888-838-7500.

An Evening with Sheryl Crow

In honor of the NAIAS 25th Anniversary celebration, NAIAS will present "An Evening with Sheryl Crow," at Charity Preview. The special performance from one of the world's top singer-songwriters takes place from 9:00-10:15 pm in the Cobo Atrium just after the show floor closes. Admittance to the Sheryl Crow performance will be permitted with the purchase of a Charity Preview ticket.

Public Show, Jan. 18-26, 2014

With record new-vehicle sales being projected, the relevance of auto shows has never been greater. The NAIAS is the perfect venue for research and comparison-shopping, and there's no better place to feed the new car passion. With more than 500 new vehicles on display, families and those who simply appreciate fine automobiles can evaluate and compare in a no-pressure, educational and entertaining environment. With rapid changes in automotive technology, including in-vehicle entertainment, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication, today's new cars and trucks are smarter than ever. NAIAS provides the best opportunity to learn about vehicles that are no longer "futuristic," but a permanent part of the automotive landscape.

Michigan Hall

A variety of companies will be exhibiting in Michigan Hall at NAIAS 2014, including the return of Creative Mobility and a new exhibitor, Mobility Transportation, companies primarily dedicated to drivers and passengers who are physically challenged. Other exhibitors include Equus Automotive and VIA Motors, Detroit Grand Prix, "Classy Cars-street legal golf cars," and a fun-filled Food Court with Micro Reality Racing and more. During Public Show a number of Michigan universities will display student-built vehicles used in various collegiate engineering competitions. The renowned College for Creative Studies will also exhibit its transportation design program.

Show-Related Industry Events: As a hallmark event for the global automotive industry, the NAIAS is a natural setting for industry-related events and organizations, including:

Society of Automotive Analysts Annual Automotive Outlook Conference

The SAA Conference will be held Sun., Jan. 12, 2014, at Cobo Center. The conference opens with presentations from auto journalists discussing lessons learned from the industry's resurgence, followed by a panel discussion from auto analysts. There is a show preview, and finally, closing remarks from a leading OEM keynote speaker just before a networking reception.

Automotive News World Congress – "What Lies Ahead"

In the midst of a North American turnaround, questions persist: How long can the U.S. recovery be sustained? Has Europe hit the bottom of its financial collapse? Can China maintain its torrid sales pace? At the 38th annual Automotive News World Congress, slated for Jan. 14 – 15 at the Marriott Detroit at the Renaissance Center, delegates will hear the industry's top executives share their outlook on the state of the industry and their strategies to manage ongoing global challenges and growth opportunities.

EyesOn Design Awards

This prestigious international design awards program is held annually to honor and recognize the most significant automotive designs on display at NAIAS. The event takes place at the NAIAS Stage in the Cobo Center Atrium at 5:30 on Tues., Jan. 14, 2014. It is presented by Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology.

Inforum's Annual Auto Show Breakfast

On Jan. 16 from 7:30 – 9:30 am, lnforum kicks off the New Year at its 12th Annual Auto Show Breakfast featuring Ford Motor Company COO Mark Fields. Inforum will present an interactive discussion on the global automotive business environment, future opportunities in connectivity and mobility, changing corporate culture, attracting key talent and more. The event will take place in the spectacular Grand Riverview Ballroom.

NAIAS Education Day

Now in its ninth year, the NAIAS 2014 Education Day organized by the DADA Education Foundation is an event that provides students of all ages, including college level, the unique opportunity to explore automotive career paths and learn about trends in the auto industry. Education Day is Wed., Jan. 22, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

WXYZ TV Channel 7 Family Day

Musical performances, giveaways and opportunities to meet Channel 7 on-air personalities are just some of the highlights of this jam-packed day for families on Fri., Jan. 24, 2014.

More information on all ancillary events can be viewed at naias.com.

NAIAS Sponsors

More than 50 companies from the auto supplier, retail and media industries affiliate with NAIAS. NAIAS 2014 would like to welcome its Premier Sponsors: Delta Air Lines, DENSO, Johnson Controls, KPMG, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michelin and ZF Group, as well as its Official Sponsors: Aisin, Ally Auto, AutoTrader.com, MSN Autos, Cars.com, Panasonic Automotive, Pandora, PR Newswire and Schaeffler. Charter One / RBS Citizens serves as Presenting Sponsor of Charity Preview. Opportunity Detroit is Presenting Sponsor of The Gallery and Studio 25 at NAIAS at Charity Preview.

Stay in touch with the NAIAS 2014 on the Web at naias.com, and be sure to Like us on Facebook at likeautoshow.com and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/#!/NAIASDetroit.

About the North American International Auto Show

Celebrating its 25^th anniversary 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 (OICA), the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world.

NAIAS 2014 Dates: