First Day Attendance Of 103,126 Beats Previous Year

UPDATE: For the second consecutive day, attendance figures exceeded 100,000 at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. On Sunday, the Auto Show welcomed 105,509 spectators to the show. For comparison: last year's "Day Two" number was 102,918.

Another big day is expected on Monday as Martin Luther King Day is celebrated. And on Wednesday, NAIAS says it will celebrate "Education Day," and will welcome more than 5,000 students of all ages to learn about auto-related technologies.

DETROIT (WWJ) - The 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is already setting records. The first day attendance of over 100,000 inside Detroit's Cobo Center beat the opening day numbers from last year by almost 12 percent.

"First day attendance was the strongest in eight years," said Jim Seavitt, chairman, 2013 NAIAS.

"The celebration of cars continued today in Detroit, and the show floor was packed from open to close," said Seavitt.

"We started the week strong during Press Preview with 50 worldwide vehicle introductions and nine North American reveals. Combined with the rapidly growing strength of the auto industry, the show has really created excitement among car enthusiasts."

The mood was cheerful off the show floor, too, as show goers took advantage of Cobo Center's new sun-drenched Riverview Atrium and rested on the grand staircase.

Among the most popular attractions inside the show for the 103,126 in attendance?

"Hands down, the new Corvette," said NAIAS Vice Chairman, Bob Shuman. "People actually ran to it when the doors opened. Last time I checked there was a large crowd six-deep in front of it."

Driving simulators at Chevy, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda and Toyota attracted a lot of attention, as did the highly interactive exhibits themselves.

"And, you can't get more interactive than a ride & drive," added Shuman. "This year we have the Aisin Drive Green Experience in Michigan Hall featuring EVs and Hybrids and, for the first time, electric scooters."

NAIAS Public Show ticket prices: Adults: $12; Seniors: $6 (65 and older); Children 7-12: $6 (6 and under: free when accompanied by a parent or guardian).

Click on HERE for your complete guide to the NAIAS.