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Auto Show Ends On High Note With Solid Attendance Figures

DETROIT – The 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) finished strong Sunday after a two week celebration of the world's love affair with the automobile.

A steady flow of over 102,000 people on the last day of the show brought the total ticketed attendance to 808,775, edging out last year's total of 803,451.

2015 NAIAS Chairman Scott LaRiche said closing day is always bittersweet.

"It's been an overwhelming experience to be associated with the world's greatest auto show for the last six years," said an inspired LaRiche. "It was a fantastic run and I'm so proud to be part of such a great team. It's definitely a bittersweet day."

"It's like a triple crown, when you think about a few years ago Detroit was in trouble, the automobile industry was in trouble, Cobo Center was in trouble and now we have a world class facility, for a world class auto show in a world class city with a resounding automobile industry," said LaRiche.

The show is a reflection of the auto industry, and the auto industry is back, added LaRiche.

"For two weeks, we've seen the confidence and felt the commitment that auto manufacturers have placed in our show, and in our city," he said. "They unveiled unbelievable products in dramatic fashion; they built beautiful new, interactive displays; and dozens of amazing digital screens created a sensory extravaganza. And for the last eight days, during the public show, people have smiled from ear-to-ear from the moment they arrived. Now that's confidence."

NAIAS Executive Director Rod Alberts said the show continues to play a major role in automakers' global product launch strategies.

"We continue to work hard to maintain the confidence, trust and partnerships with the global automakers," said Alberts. "We support the promise of the original NAIAS organizing committee which, 26 years ago, said: 'you bring the cars; we'll bring the media.' "I think it's safe to say, we kept our promise."

Up next ... the Chicago Auto Show in about two weeks.

NAIAS Highlights

• Press Preview:
- 5,025 journalists from 60 countries and 40 U.S. states
- 55 vehicle introductions: 49 worldwide; six North American
- Seven concept cars

• Industry Preview:
- 35,551 people attended from 2,001 companies and 25 countries

• Charity Preview:
- 15,350 people helped raise $5.3 million for children's charities
- More than $100 million raised since 1976 when Charity Preview was established by the
Detroit Auto Dealers Association
- Steve Miller Band performed on Cobo Center's Atrium stage

• Studio 25:
- 2,500 people attended Detroit's biggest afterglow party in Cobo Center's Grand Riverview
Ballroom

• Total Ticketed Attendance:
- 808,775 (incl. Industry Preview, Charity Preview & Public Show)

• Total Economic Impact of NAIAS 2015: $400 million (per economist David Sowerby)
Paul Sabatini will chair next year's auto show.

 

 

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