NAIAS 2008 recap, 2009 dates announced

NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW REVEALS 2009 DATES AND REVIEWS NAIAS 2008

DETROIT, Feb. 8, 2008 -- The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced today that the 2009 show will take place Jan. 11 - 25, 2009 at Cobo Center in Detroit. Press Preview will be held Sunday, Jan. 11 through Tuesday, Jan. 13. Industry Preview will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14 and Thursday, Jan. 15. The annual black-tie Charity Preview gala will be held Friday evening, Jan. 16. Public Days will be held Saturday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 25.

In review of NAIAS 2008, organizers reported that of the 58 total vehicles unveiled, 44 were worldwide debuts and 14 were North American debuts. The NAIAS also welcomed more than 700,000 attendees, 6,000 international media from nearly 60 countries along with a host of celebrities and 37,000 industry insiders from 2,000 companies. In addition, $6 million was raised for children's charities at the annual black-tie Charity Preview.

"The NAIAS Committee is proud to host this world-class event each year for the thousands of media, industry insiders and enthusiasts," said Carl Galeana, senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2008. "By evolving each year to incorporate more special events, celebrity appearances and amenities, the NAIAS will continue to attract top media, industry executives and production and concept vehicle debuts."

"Serving as senior co-chairman has been an honor and privilege," continued Galeana. "It has been an amazing experience to lead the NAIAS Committee through a successful year of incredible events. It is with great pride that I pass the Senior Co-chairman title to my colleague Joe Serra. He and Co-chairman Doug Fox will make a great team as leaders for the 2009 NAIAS."

The NAIAS 2008 was featured in two national broadcast specials. CNBC aired a one-hour special, "CNBC Special Event: Detroit Auto Show All Access," on Jan. 14 from 9 to 10 p.m. EST, and NBC Sports broadcasted a one-hour program titled, "International Auto Show" on Sunday, Jan. 20 from 3 to 4 p.m. EST.

The excitement surrounding the NAIAS was heightened by the presence of several celebrity and political guests. Notable political guests included Presidential Candidates Mike Huckabee, John McCain and Mitt Romney; U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman; Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox.

Other entertainers included singers Bryan Adams, Mary J. Blige and Toby Keith; celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck; Monster Garage host Jesse James; IndyCar Series driver and "Dancing with the Stars" champion Helio Castroneves; NBA All-stars George "Iceman" Gervin, Willis Reed, Bill Walton, Spud Webb and Dominique Wilkins; Katie Feenstra from the WNBA's Detroit Shock; Richard "Rip" Hamilton from the NBA's Detroit Pistons; actors Kim Catrall, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosie Perez, Drew Sidora and Lisa Vidal; heavyweight boxer Evander Holyfield, hip-hop legend Funk Master Flex; media moguls Damon Dash and Russell Simmons; The Tonight Show with Jay Leno's Ross "the Intern" Matthews; among several others.

For the first time ever, the NAIAS 2008 welcomed guests to an exclusive, invitation-only intimate evening with international, luxury carmakers titled "The Gallery," sponsored by Celani Vineyards, LeMay Museum, Michelin, Northwest Airlines, Conde Nast Portfolio Magazine, RBS/Charter One, Sprint, Tiffany & Co., the Detroit Regional Chamber, Wired Magazine, and the Young Presidents' Organization.

Also for the first time, the annual Charity Preview black-tie gala, held on Friday, Jan. 18, included an hour and 15 minute performance of the rock-band, Barenaked Ladies, presented by Sprint. The sold-out fundraiser hosted 15,000 guests and raised more than $6 million for 12 children's charities. Other lead sponsors of the evening included RBS/Charter One and Northwest Airlines.

Signature events, Automotive Education Day on Jan. 23, presented by State Farm Insurance, and NAIAS Racing Day on Jan. 25, presented by Sprint, were also noted for their success according to NAIAS organizers.

6,000 secondary education students attended Automotive Education Day at the NAIAS. The event featured attractions by exhibitor participants American Red Cross SE Michigan Chapter, BMW, Chrysler, General Motors, DENSO, Ferris State University, Macomb Community College, Michigan Secretary of State, Northwood University, SAE International's A World in Motion (AWIM) program, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), State Farm Insurance and Walsh College.

In its third year, NAIAS Racing Day drew more than 68,000 visitors to the NAIAS for autograph signings with drivers from notable racing organizations. Drivers that appeared included NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Greg Biffle, and Sam Hornish Jr., IndyCar Series drivers Marco Andretti and Tony Kanaan, American Le Mans Series driver Bryan Herta, and Stock Car World Speed Record Holder Russ Wicks.

-credit: naias