DETROIT (WWJ) - It’s almost showtime at Detroit’s Cobo Center, as preparations continue for the glamorous black tie Charity Preview event at the North American International Auto Show.

The cars are the stars as tonight’s gala wraps up what has been a very encouraging preview week at the Auto Show.  And you can hear the latest from the who’s who of the auto industry, during a special LIVE program airing Friday night on WWJ Newsradio 950 and here at CBSDetroit.com.

WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert will talk with Big 3 big wigs and other industry leaders, taking a look back at an important week of auto show previews, and looking ahead to an important year.

 - LISTEN LIVE! 7-8 p.m. – CLICK HERE -

Jeff will be joined live by Ford CEO Alan Mulally, GM NA President Mark Reuss, Dodge CEO Ried Bigland, GM Product Development VP Mary Barra, Ford Marketing VP Jim Farley, SRT CEO and Chrysler Chief Designer Ralph Gilles and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, among others.

Listen to Mayor Bing interview below:

“This program has become an annual tradition for WWJ, in good times and bad,” said Gilbert. “Those at this week’s press and industry previews see an auto industry in recovery, which is why we titled the program, ‘Detroit Shines.’”

Money raised from Friday night’s event will once again benefit a wide range of children’s charities.  Since 1976, the Charity Preview has raised over $84 million for southeastern Michigan children’s charities.

The Auto Show opens to the public at 9 a.m. Saturday.  Get all the show details in our guide at this link.