2011 NAIAS Marks Success on Local, National and Global Levels

TROY, MI - Organizers of the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced today the overwhelming success of this year's world-premier event citing increases in international media turn out, vehicles revealed, manufacturer returns for 2011 and already for 2012, as well as public attendance figures. A sampling of unprecedented milestones since the challenged global economy's effects of 2009 include:

• Press Preview attendance of 5,000 international media from 60 countries.

• 55 new product unveilings, with significant first-time seen "world-wide" reveals.

• 21,000-plus visitors attended the two-day Industry Preview representing 23 countries (approximately 16,000 attended in 2010).

• $2.6 million raised for local children's charities by a goal-surpassing 10,500 attendees at the annual black-tie gala, Charity Preview.

• A second straight year of public attendance increases with 735,370 visitors to NAIAS, which included the breaking of a single-day record from 1993 of 74,900 for a Friday, with 75,327 attending this year. The total attendance for 2010 NAIAS was 714,137.

"The 2011 NAIAS validated all promises made by exhibitors in 2009 and 2010 as the product pipeline is full and vibrant," said 2011 NAIAS Chairman, Barron Meade. "The ability to rise up from the difficult economic times of the recent past in glowing fashion indicates a positive ripple effect for our local, national and global economies. NAIAS is again proud to kick off a new year by providing a global stage for so many to be spotlighted."

Meade also noted the economic impact for the region saw another boost as it is estimated between $350 and $375 million was funneled into the local economy from visitors to NAIAS in the form of hotels, transportation, catering and entertainment, a more than $25 million improvement over the 2010 NAIAS.

This year saw the return of Porsche and the announcement that Nissan will be returning in 2012. In addition, while the press conference schedule provided an unprecedented amount of news and coverage, NAIAS leadership is listening to its customers: the manufacturers, the auto suppliers, and the media, and is already planning a two-day 2012 press conference schedule which will best accommodate anticipated news as well as the likelihood of more manufacturer representation.

Bill Perkins, 2012 NAIAS Chairman, indicated the recent show has set a strong foundation for the next, and that exciting updates about the 2012 show will be provided throughout the coming year.

"What sets NAIAS apart and keeps it a global draw from so many influential audiences is its commitment to not rest on its laurels, but to keep building, striving and adapting," Perkins said. "The work and updates we are hearing from Cobo Center management as to what is planned for Cobo Center for the 2012 show will have people awed and amazed. This was an outstanding year, but I already can't wait for what is around the corner for 2012 NAIAS."