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North American International Auto Show Wraps Up 2009 With More Than 650,000 People Passing Through Cobo

Posted on: Tuesday, 27 January 2009, 10:53 CST

DETROIT, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) closed its doors Sunday, Jan. 25 after hosting more than 650,000 people, including nearly 5,500 journalists from more than 40 countries. Sunday alone played host to the largest attendance figure of public days with more than 92,000 people.

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With more exhibitors than the 2008 show, the 2009 NAIAS featured 53 total vehicles unveiled, including 34 worldwide debuts and 19 North American debuts. (EDITORS' NOTE: Complete listing provided). In addition, more than $2.6 million was raised for children's charities at the annual black-tie Charity Preview gala held on Fri., Jan. 16.

"I am proud to have been a part of NAIAS during this particular year," said Joe Serra, senior co-chair of the 2009 NAIAS. "Despite challenges faced not only by the auto industry but also the world economy, we saw nearly 5,500 international journalists at the show, proving once again that this show remains THE place to showcase new products to a global audience."

"Serving as senior co-chairman has been an honor," continued Serra. "It is with great confidence that I pass the title of senior co-chair to my colleague and friend Doug Fox. He and co-chairman Barron Meade will make a great team as leaders for the 2010 NAIAS."

Show highlights include:

-- Covered by all of the major networks, the 2009 show featured visits from The NBC Today Show, which broadcast live from the show floor with Al Roker; CNBC conducted a one-hour special about the show and its impact on the global automotive industry; also special features from NBC Sports' "International Auto Show" special broadcast and Fox Business News; in addition, NBC "Late Night" host, Conan O'Brien, paid a special visit for local and national spots.

-- Onsite, the 2009 NAIAS played a role in the political landscape with bill signings on site and a tour of the show by Governor Jennifer Granholm, a visit from Attorney General Mike Cox, a tour by Detroit Mayor Ken Cockerel, Jr. and a fact-finding visit from Tennessee Senator Robert Phillips Corker, Jr.

-- For the first time in NAIAS history, Michigan Hall was converted into a ride-and-drive educational experience as host to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) EcoXperience. The venue allowed more than 25,000 participants an opportunity to see the future of the automotive industry in the latest vehicles featuring hybrid technology.

-- The NAIAS played a part in the Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan with players/coaches visits and question-and-answer sessions by such players as Curtis Granderson, Justin Verlander, Edwin Jackson, Marcus Thames, Nate Robertson as well as Head Coach Jim Leyland and members of his staff.

-- The annual Charity Preview black-tie gala, held on Friday, Jan. 16, included a post-event concert by the legendary rock band The Doobie Brothers. The event, supported by noted Michiganders Jeff Daniels and Gov. Granholm raised more than $2.6 million for local children's charities. In support of the event, teen sensation The Jonas Brothers performed in a special engagement concert the Sunday following Charity Preview, for patrons that had purchased tickets to Friday night's festivities.

Other 2009 NAIAS signature events included:

-- For the second year in a row the 2009 NAIAS welcomed guests to an exclusive, invitation-only intimate evening with international, luxury carmakers titled "The Gallery," sponsored by American Express.

-- Automotive Education Day on Jan. 21, presented by State Farm Insurance, and NAIAS Racing Day on Jan. 23, presented by Sprint, were noted for their success according to NAIAS organizers.

-- Approximately 5,000 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 fifth year, NAIAS Racing Day drew nearly 65,000 visitors to the NAIAS for autograph signings with current and future motorsports stars. Drivers that appeared included NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kurt Busch, American Le Mans Series drivers Gil De Ferran and Ben Devlin, IndyCar Series driver Robbie Buhl, Automobile Racing Club of America drivers Gabi DiCarlo, Robb Brent and Brian Keselowski; Indy Lights driver Alistair (Ali) Jackson.

NAIAS 2009 VEHICLE DEBUT LIST WORLDWIDE PRODUCTION 2010 Chevrolet Equinox 2010 Buick LaCrosse 2010 Cadillac SRX 2010 Toyota Prius Lexus 2010 HS 250h BMW Z4 2010 Ford Taurus 2010 Mustang Shelby GT500 2010 Lincoln MKT Crossover Ford Flex and Lincoln MKS EcoBoost Technology Bentley Continental GTC Speed Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI Quattro Mini Cabrio Jaguar SKR Jaguar XFR 2010 Honda Insight Maserati Quattroporte Sports GT-S 2010 Fisker Karma Jaguar XFR Bonneville Racer Revenge GTM-R Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss WORLDWIDE CONCEPT Cadillac Converj Concept Chrysler 200C EV Concept Jeep Patriot EV Concept Lincoln C Concept VW BlueSport Concept Kia Soul'ster Concept Audi Sportback Concept Volvo S60 Concept Mercedes-Benz BlueZero NORTH AMERICAN PRODUCTION Chevrolet Cruze Lexus IS Convertible Lexus LS 460 Lexus 2010 RX350 and RX450h BMW 7 Series Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder Brilliance M1 Brilliance M2 Brilliance M3 Brilliance FRV BYD E6 crossover BYD F3DM sedan BYD F6DM sedan BYD F6CVT sedan BYD FO car Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID NORTH AMERICAN CONCEPT Chevrolet Orlando Concept Chevy Beat Concept The North American International Auto Show Rod Alberts - Executive Director

Entering its 22nd year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world and is 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. The NAIAS Web site can be accessed at www.naias.com. Don't Miss It For the World!

SOURCE North American International Auto Show

Source: PR Newswire

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