Vice President Biden leads list of public figures to attend NAIAS 2014

DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As one of the top automotive events in the world, it's no surprise that the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) continues to attract the attention of public figures from around the world. Since the former "Detroit Auto Show" became the NAIAS in 1989, it's been visited by United Nations delegates, scores of U.S. Congressional representatives, a Japanese emperor, a Russian Ambassador, several White House Cabinet members, and one United States President: Bill Clinton in 1999.

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This year, as the show celebrates its 25^th anniversary as an international event, numerous government figures will attend during Press Preview, Jan. 13-14, and Industry Preview, Jan. 15-16. The list, announced today by NAIAS, is headed by Vice President Joe Biden, who returns to NAIAS for the second time (though this is his first appearance as Vice President). Additionally, representatives from numerous federal government agencies, the United States Congress, and various state officials are scheduled to see the show.

"Year-after-year we are honored by the presence of public figures representing our government, and representing governments from around the world," said NAIAS 2014 Chairman Bob Shuman. "The news and information that is generated and released at this show is relevant to the economy here in the U.S., and around the world."

In addition to Vice President Biden, the following are scheduled to attend NAIAS 2014:

• U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx
• U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez
• U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker
• Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy
• NHTSA Deputy Administrator David Friedman
• National Transportation Safety Board Member Earl Weener
• Michigan Governor Rick Snyder
• Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear
• Ohio Governor John Kasich
• Missouri Governor Jay Nixon

In addition to the distinguish guests listed, several members of the United States Congress, along with representatives from the nations of Canada, China, Italy, Japan, and Mexico will attend.

The NAIAS also serves as a venue for automotive events significant in the development and influence of policy. This year, the show will be the setting for Michigan's Senate Economic Development, and House Commerce committees on January 15. Industry testimony will educate lawmakers on Michigan's role in the global automotive industry and what Michigan can do to attract automotive investment. Experts including Michigan's senior automotive adviser Nigel Francis, MICHauto's Rob Luce, Nissan's Carlo Bailo, Magna International's Scott Paradise and others will testify before the committees on key issues impacting Michigan's automotive industry.

About the North American International Auto Show
Celebrating its 25th 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:

• Press Preview: Mon-Tue, Jan. 13-14, 2014
• Industry Preview: Wed-Thu, Jan. 15-16, 2014
• Charity Preview: Fri, Jan. 17, 2014
• Public Show: Sat-Sun, Jan. 18-26, 2014

SOURCE North American International Auto Show