North American International Auto Show Announces 2008 Dates

"Each year the NAIAS committee's goal is to offer a world-class event to thousands of media, industry insiders, enthusiasts and consumers who visit the show," said Robert Thibodeau, Jr., senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2007. "Drawing more than 90 exhibitors, with spectacular displays showcasing more than 700 production and concept vehicles, the NAIAS proudly stands along side the top international shows around the world such as Frankfurt, Geneva, Paris and Tokyo. Having said that, it has been an honor to serve as senior co- chairman for the NAIAS 2007 and I proudly pass the leadership role over to 2008 senior co-chairman, Carl Galeana, and 2008 co-chairman, Joseph Serra. Together, they are sure to raise the bar once again."

NAIAS 2007 attracted more than 6,000 media from 62 countries and 42 United States who converged on Cobo Center to witness a mass of 55 worldwide and North American vehicle unveilings at 39 press conferences. Among the exhibitors at NAIAS 2007 was the Chinese automaker, Changfeng that made their first appearance at the show.

Once again, NAIAS partnered with NBC Sports and was featured in a one-of a kind, two-hour, NBC Sports broadcast, entitled "International Auto Show." The special aired on Jan. 21 from 1 - 3 p.m.

NAIAS 2007 also marked the first year MSN.com Autos Web page was translated into six languages and published in 10 MSN international markets including France, Germany, UK, Italy and Spain reaching millions of media and car enthusiasts worldwide.

Coupled with the excitement of award ceremonies and press conferences, NAIAS 2007 also played host to several celebrity guests including Hall & Oates, TV Personality, Rachel Ray; 'Dancing With the Stars' Champions Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke; Detroit Pistons' players Chauncey Billups, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, Richard "Rip" Hamilton and Lindsey Hunter; chef, restaurateur and TV Personality Bobby Flay; R&B singers Seal, Kelis, Tamia and Sisqo; Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates; 'Fashion Police' Host Bobbie Thomas; 'Inside Edition' Host Deborah Norville; Comedian Tommy Davidson; singer, producer, songwriter Marvin Winans, Jr.; 'The Apprentice' competitor, Omarosa; Antonio Alvendia 'The Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift;' DJ and Radio Personality Frankie Needles; and Hip Hop star 50 Cent.

The NAIAS 2007 Industry Preview Days, Jan. 10 and 11 attracted 32,997 attendees from 1,753 companies representing 27 countries. In addition, Charity Preview, held on Jan. 12, hosted 15,000 guests. Tickets for this black-tie gala affair were $400 each and $6 million was raised for 11 local Detroit children's charities.

100th Anniversary

In 2007, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) celebrated the centennial of its successful association with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Since its inception in 1907, the show has grown from a regional event featuring 17 exhibitors to an internationally sanctioned show with over 90 exhibitors, adding more than $500 million to the metro Detroit region last year alone. With the support of Detroit area auto dealers the NAIAS features more new vehicle debuts and garners more media coverage than any show in North America.

Source: North American International Auto Show