Worldwide vehicle introductions dominate successful Press Preview at NAIAS

DETROIT, Jan. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- When the dust settled after two remarkable days of vehicle unveilings, organizers of the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) counted 50 vehicle introductions, the majority being worldwide, presented to a crowd of 5,169 journalists from around the world.

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NAIAS Chairman Bob Shuman said the optimism and confidence felt on the show floor is a reflection of a healthier auto industry, and stronger economy, and a demonstration of the continuing importance of the NAIAS.

"We rocked it," said Shuman. "Nothing can compare to the excitement in Detroit this week. It's what we've worked toward for the last year. I'm proud of our city, and very proud of this show."

Journalists from 60 countries were treated to fantastic vehicle unveilings on an electric show floor that resembled Times Square with LED walls virtually everywhere. Striking images and positive messages about new vehicles, new automotive technology, and the renovated world class Cobo Center were transmitted non-stop by traditional and new media alike.

Shuman pointed out that the vehicles that were introduced in Detroit over two full press days are some of the automakers most commercially successful. From the Ford F150, which introduced the company's breakthrough aluminum body, to the race-inspired Cadillac ATS Coupe, to the Nissan Autonomous Leaf – global automakers chose Detroit's world stage for their most strategically important vehicle introductions.

Next Up: Industry Preview, VP Biden, Charity Preview

As the doors closed on the Press Preview, they quickly reopened for NAIAS Industry Preview, which, will bring more than 30,000 industry analysts, supplier executives, designers, engineers and auto enthusiasts from 25 countries that compare, analyze, photograph, and benchmark the more than 550 new vehicles at NAIAS. This year's numbers are expected to exceed 2014 totals thanks to robust ticket sales, and higher registration.

Today Vice President Joe Biden will take an auto show tour hosted by the NAIAS Executive Committee. Biden tops a list of state and federal government officials to visit NAIAS including four White House Cabinet members, four governors, including Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, and officials from Canada, China, Italy, Japan and Mexico.

After Industry Preview, the celebration continues at Charity Preview, an incredible evening of giving on Friday, Jan. 17. The black tie gala, the largest single night fundraiser in North America, will raise more than $4.5 million for children's charities in Southeastern Michigan. Since 1976, the Charity Preview has raised more than $91 million for Southeastern Michigan children's charities - more than $47 million of which was raised in the last 10 years alone. 

"It's been an incredible week," concluded Shuman. "From the start we've seen the best that the industry, and the City of Detroit, has to offer. This is one for the books."

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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