Auto Show Expands Footprint, Social Media Outreach
DETROIT -- The 2012 North American International Auto Show has expanded its footprint inside Cobo Center and its outreach into the social media sphere as it prepares to open for Press Preview, Jan. 9-10.
With an additional 25,000 square feet of main floor exhibit space, and the anticipated unveilings of dozens of the most exciting production and concept vehicles in the world, NAIAS 2012 is speeding towards two full days of press conferences. And, with an increased presence on social media sites Facebook and Twitter, the word is out wider than ever before.
"After 100 versions of the auto show floor plan, and dozens of meetings and conversations with manufacturers around the world, we are ready to accommodate the 40-plus exhibitors displaying at NAIAS 2012," said Bill Perkins, NAIAS 2012 chairman. "This show will educate, entertain and astonish."
NAIAS exhibiting manufacturers are Acura, AMG, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, CODA Automotive, Dodge, Falcon Motor Sports, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Scion, Shelby American, Smart, SRT, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Vehicle Production Group, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
More than 5,000 journalists from more than 50 countries are expected to attend Press Preview at NAIAS 2012 and witness the worldwide unveiling of nearly 40 never before seen products, as well as a number of North American introductions.
The press preview days are followed by the Industry Preview Jan. 11-12. Each year some 20,000 professionals representing nearly 2,000 companies from around the world attend NAIAS Industry Preview to compare, analyze, and benchmark cars and trucks. ION Television and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association serve as Industry Preview sponsors.
On Jan. 13 comes this year's Charity Preview, a significant night of giving to children's charities in the area. The event has raised more than $84 million since it was established in 1976, over $33 million of which was raised in the last seven years alone. Purchase tickets on-line at charitypreview.com. Charter One, part of the RBS group, is Presenting Sponsor of Charity Preview.
The public show will be held Jan. 14-22.
More than 50 companies from the auto supplier, retail and media industries affiliate with NAIAS. Premier Sponsors, the highest level of NAIAS sponsorship, include Delta Airlines, DENSO, Johnson Controls, KPMG, the Michigan Economic Development Corp., Michelin and ZF. Official Sponsors include AutoTrader.com, Ion Television, MSN Autos, Schaeffler Group and Panasonic Automotive. Several sponsors will be holding press conferences during the two-day press preview.
