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Guide To The North American International Auto Show

Mercedes Benz And Cadillac Hold Events Ahead of North American Int'l Auto ShowNorth American Auto Show
COBO Center
1 Washington Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48226
(248) 643-0250
www.naias.com
Dates: Jan. 14-27, 2013
Click here for tickets.For the 25th year, the North American International Auto Show will take over Cobo Center in downtown Detroit from January 14 through January 27, bringing to the public the best the auto industry across the globe has to offer.Plans call for over 500 of the newest and most innovative vehicles manufacturers have been working on. As always, there will be the unveiling of concept cars never before seen along with a chance to have a firsthand look at the new cars, trucks and almost anything that will roll down the road.

The show will offer special events and great discount days for various groups and organizations.

New this year will be an expanded and improved Cobo Convention Center with a more open and airy feeling along with better amenities. Over $200 million has been budgeted on the Cobo renovation and the NAIAS promises that this year will be bigger and better than ever.

Now on to the show and the special events you don't want to miss.

Getting There
If you are using an automobile GPS unit, then just put in the address listed above and follow the directions. But if you are using the old fashioned way of actually knowing where you want to go, then from the west take I-94 east to US-10, the Lodge Freeway and head south. This will take you directly downtown to Cobo Center. From the east side, take I-94 west until you reach US-10, the Lodge Freeway and again, head south.When it comes to parking, the available spaces at Cobo have been increased. But considering how many people attend NAIAS, sometimes you will have to park at a different location. For this information, the best source is the Cobo website that offers a map showing where you can park and how to get to Cobo from the different parking areas.

Charity Preview
Date: Jan. 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.Since 1976, the NAIAS has hosted the Charity Preview, the place to see and be seen in Detroit. All proceeds from this black tie event go directly to support children's charities in southeastern Michigan. To date, the Charity Preview has helped raise $87 million to provide for the needs of children being served by the various charities.Tickets to the event, which are $300 each, must be purchased in advance, with $290 of the ticket price being tax deductable.If you are looking for a place to make a major impact on the lives of children and where you will literally be walking and talking with the leaders of the automotive industry, then the Charity Preview is your spot.Related: Big Plans For The 2013 Auto Show

2013 FloorPlan Color
(credit: NAIAS)

Nine Days of  NAIAS
Date: Jan. 19 through Jan. 27When the show opens to the public, it is time to head down to Cobo and take in the sights and sounds of NAIAS. With over 500 vehicles to peruse, plan on giving yourself plenty of time to wander. Displays will run the gamut from single-story offerings to multi-level audio/visual powerhouses that will present an unbelievable experience not be missed.As in past years, many of the manufacturers keep the exact design of their displays secret until they are put together in Cobo, so be ready to experience all they have to offer.

Drive Green Experience
If you have ever wondered what it is like to drive in an electric vehicle, then your chance is here at the NAIAS. Take a ride on the Drive Green Experience test track which will be located in the new three-story riverfront atrium at Cobo Center.This event is sponsored by AISIN, a tier-one supplier of high-tech components for electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturers around the globe.Visitors will have the chance to take a ride on the test track in "green vehicles" driven by product specialists. But it will not just be a ride of joy, it will also offer these experts the chance to provide information and insights into the new technologies of these environmentally friendly vehicles.Related: Best Go-Kart Racing In Detroit
Finding Food
With the renovations to Cobo well underway, there is a greater variety of amenities available to visitors. And after walking around the NAIAS for a few hours, food will be at the top of the list.At Eatsville USA, you will find options like barbecued pulled pork and brisket. Go Gourmet offers specialty soups and eight different hands-on foods, which range from a hot panini or classic reuben sandwich to subs, clubs and wraps. Solid Gold Snacks offers classic snack bar foods like hot dogs and nacho chips and Custom Dogs offers five different incarnations of the hot dog from a classic with mustard and ketchup to the L.A. Dog topped with pico de gallo, sliced jalapeno peppers and avocado mayo.For those who are a bit parched, there is plenty to quench their thirst from gourmet coffees at Caruso World Coffee, which offers everything form a hot cup of joe to lattes and cappuccinos. For those who prefer something that has been brewed but not from a coffee pot, back at Eatsville you will find Detroit Brewing, which offers up its signature beers to enjoy.A complete listing of menus and pricing is available on the Cobo Center website.
Award winning freelance writer and photographer Lawrence DiVizio is based in Southeast Michigan and works to convey in words and images the world around us. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
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