By USDR.
The numbers are in. And, as expected, global automakers brought their A-game to the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). And, when the spotlights dimmed, show organizers counted 55 vehicle introductions, mostly worldwide, in front of 5,025 journalists from 60 countries around the world including first-timers: Cambodia,Montenegro and Guinea.
NAIAS Chairman Scott LaRiche attributes the horsepower-induced mood of the show floor over the two-days of Press Preview to 49 worldwide, and six North American vehicle introductions, nine of which were concept cars.
“Our numbers are very strong,” said LaRiche. “Of the 55 vehicle introductions at NAIAS 2015, 94 percent are global reveals. This is a spectacular credential for an international show. Global auto manufacturers continue to show confidence in this city and in this show, and clearly saved their best for NAIAS.”
Journalists were treated to elaborate vehicle unveilings surrounded by dozens of floor-to-ceiling digital walls with music that raised the roof at the transformed Cobo Center. There were trucks, super cars, hybrids, plug-ins and driverless reveals that captured the attention of the connected media on digital cameras, personal mobile devices, Google glasses, tablets, GoPros, photo cards and even a roll of film or two for the historians. There was even a car “built” at the show via 3-D printing.
An enthused LaRiche said that the new vehicle introductions covered the gambit of the world automotive showroom. From the Ford GT Supercar, a modern interpretation of the iconic GT40; to the 200-mile range Chevrolet Bolt; to the game-changing Nissan Titan XD trucks – global auto makers revealed their finest in the center of the automotive universe.
The grand 40,000 square foot Michelin Media Center had connected seating for 1,100 journalists. Scribes consumed 4,400 bottles of water, 800 bottles of fruit juice; 4,000 sandwiches; 1,200 bags of salty snacks; and cleaned their handhelds, camera lenses and computer monitors with 6,000 screen towels.
Industry Preview and an Historic Charity Preview
Today is the second day of NAIAS Industry Preview, which will bring some 30,000 industry analysts, supplier executives, designers, engineers and auto enthusiasts from 25 countries. They’ll compare, analyze, photograph, measure and benchmark more than 700 new vehicles at NAIAS.
“Cobo Center has been home to the auto industry all week and, now, automotive suppliers are here in force,” said LaRiche. “Every meeting room is full, the environment is electric, and there are conferences, panel discussions and seminars from start-to-finish. If you’re in the auto business – this is the place to be.”
Following two days of Industry Preview, the celebration continues at Charity Preview, an incredible evening of giving on Friday, Jan. 16. The black tie gala, the largest single night fundraiser in North America, is expected to raise more than $5 million for children’s charities in Southeastern Michigan bringing the total to over $100 million in donations to children’s charities since the event was established in 1976 by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association.
“And, when the show floor closes, the party begins,” said LaRiche, referencing a special post-Charity Preview concert by Steve Miller Band in the Cobo Center Atrium.
“Everybody knows that Steve Miller speaks the pompatus of love,” said LaRiche. “Steve Miller Band is legendary and we are thrilled that he’ll be our special guest at Charity Preview, helping us celebrate an amazing night and a spectacular week in Detroit.”
Admittance to “An Evening with the Steve Miller Band” will be permitted with the purchase of a Charity Preview ticket. The special performance begins at 9 pm.
Now in its 27th year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most–up close and in one place. Administered by Executive Director Rod Alberts, the NAIAS is one of the largest media events in North America, and the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world.
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