The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) (Homepage) is an annual auto show, held at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan. It is among the largest and most prestigious auto shows, not only in North America but the entire automotive world across the globe. In all, over 700 vehicles are expected to be on display at the show.
The history of the show dates back to 1907 when the first auto show was held at the Beller’s Beer Garden at Riverside Park, in Detroit, Michigan. From then on, the show has continued unabated, except during the World War (and its aftermath) afflicted period of 1943-1952. The show has been held at the same Cobo Center venue since 1961. The significance of the show gathers further steam, due to the presence of the ‘Big Three’ giants of the American automobile industry, Ford, General Motors (GM) and Chrysler, in the Greater Detroit Metropolitan Area.
The 2010 edition of the show is slated for the period between January 11-24, 2010. As has been the general norm, the first two days, January 11-12 would be earmarked for Press Previews. This would be followed by two days of Industry Preview, for stalwarts of the industry, between January 13-14. The next day, January 15, is slated to be Charity Preview day. On this day, proceeds from the event directly benefit a wide range of children’s charities. The concept of a Charity Preview day has also been observed since long at the show. Finally, the show would be thrown open to the general public, for 9 days, between the period January 16-24, 2010.
This year’s show (in early 2009) was attended by over 650,000 people from the general public. Moreover, in terms of an economic contribution, the show added $350 million to Metro Detroit’s kitty, as per estimates of David Sowerby, C.F.A., portfolio manager and chief market analyst at Loomis Sayles & Co. [Many more statistics from this year's show here]
Outside Cobo Center, the venue of the North American International Auto Show
Premier sponsors of the 2010 North American International Auto Show are Delta Air Lines, DENSO, Johnson Controls, KPMG, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michelin, and ZF Group. Official sponsors are AutoTrader.com, one of the Internet’s leading auto classifieds marketplace and consumer information websites, and Microsoft/MSN Autos, which is an easy-to-use, comprehensive, online automotive resource for researching, buying and owning cars. State Farm Insurance is an additional sponsor of the show.
The 2010 edition of the North American International Auto Show would be privy to the 9th Annual Michelin Challenge Design competition wherein hundreds of individual designers, teams, studios, and companies from over 50 countries would submit full-size vehicles, scale models and computer-generated renderings to compete in this prestigious challenge. The jury for the competition would include top international designers from across the world, who represent global automotive, independent and academic design communities.
There is also the Eyes On Design competition which would honor the most significant automotive designs on display at NAIAS 2010. These awards endeavor to recognize the skill and creativity of some of the most gifted automobile designers of today, using parameters such as Aesthetics and Innovation, Concept Implementation, Functionality and Spirit of Industrial Design.
Press Briefings during the 2009 North American International Auto Show
Visitors to the show also get a chance to participate in numerous competitions, such as the Photo Contest, which commences from the 19th of January till the end of the show, on the 24th of January. Herein, you can submit your original pictures taken during your visit to the show, of any of the automobiles on display as well as snapshots of the show. Prizes include an official North American International Auto Show 2010 poster (ARV $200) as well as an opportunity to have their photo highlighted on the NAIAS and WWJ Newsradio 950 websites.
High school students in the Michigan area have the opportunity to participate in the NAIAS 2010 Poster Contest wherein they get an opportunity to be a part of one of the world’s most prestigious and premier auto shows, by designing posters for it, and also stand to win attractive prizes for their efforts.
So, what’s in it for all you Chevy fans and lovers? Well, lots! You get to see the latest offerings – what the bow-tie dudes have got lined up for you, and help you make up your mind for the best Chevy suited to you – in the best manner! Could you ask for more?