Getting Ready For The 2012 Auto Show

Planning is getting underway for the 2012 version of the North American International Auto Show.  It's a show that will be held in the midst of a Cobo Center expansion and an auto industry rebirth.

"We've got a full floor," said Auto Show Senior Chairman Bill Perkins.  "As a matter of fact, we need more space.  We've already sold the expanded part of Cobo."

Perkins, speaking at an organizing meeting for the 2012 show, says they added a small amount of space in the back of Cobo Center for the upcoming show.  Future shows will get even more room for products, as Cobo Arena is being renovated into new exhibit space.

But that renovation means the 2012 show won't have Cobo Arena, that has been used in several different ways over the years, and was where Ford held its major product unveilings during press preview days.

So, organizers say they are working out alternatives, that will be announced as we get closer to the January 2012 show.

"We've already worked it out," said Perkins.  "We've got plans for that.  But, no, we will not have Cobo Arena this year."

Nissan and Infiniti have returned for this upcoming show, following Porsche's return for the 2011 show.

The 2012 North American Auto Show will start with press previews on January 9th and 10th.  Organizers are promising two full days, after all of the major announcements were crammed into one day in 2011.

Industry preview days are January 11th and 12th.  The Charity Preview is scheduled for January 13th, with the North American International Auto Show opens to the public on Saturday, January 14th.

Perkins says that the improvements in the automotive market, which were reflected in the auto show last January, will be even more evident in the 2012 show.

"It's going to show the improvement, not only in the market, but with the OEM's and the products they are coming out with.  Everyone is a lot more bullish."

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