North American International Auto Show Announces Dates for 2003

DETROIT, March 20 -- The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today announced the dates for NAIAS 2003. Bill Demmer, senior co-chairman of NAIAS 2003, said that Sunday, January 5, through Monday, January 20, have been reserved at Cobo Center in Detroit for the annual industry extravaganza that features more than 750 new concept and production vehicles.

``While visiting the Geneva Motor Show with my fellow co-chairman Chuck Fortinberry and other committee members, we were pleased to exchange ideas with show organizers from around the world. We are honored to be considered in the ranks of great international motor shows such as Geneva, the only other annual international motor show outside of Detroit.

``Early indications for NAIAS 2003 are very positive for another blockbuster year of worldwide and North American introductions. We look forward to again hosting many of the global automotive industry's most important unveilings of concept and production vehicles.''

Press Preview Days

Sunday, January 5, will be the first official press day for NAIAS 2003, providing press conference opportunities to qualifying exhibitors beginning at approximately 12 Noon and ending at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Two full press days will follow on Monday, January 6 (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and Tuesday, January 7 (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). More than 6,000 media were credentialed for the 2002 NAIAS.

Evening media/social events, which are not scheduled by the NAIAS, will be hosted by manufacturers at a variety of locations during Press Preview Days.

Industry Preview Days

Wednesday will again kick off the first of two full days dedicated to the popular NAIAS Industry Preview Days, a special opportunity at the auto show reserved for employees of automotive suppliers and others who support the industry. The 2003 event will be held Wednesday, January 8 (12 noon to 9:00 p.m.) and Thursday, January 9 (7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.). More than 23,000 people from 2,800 international and domestic companies attended Industry Preview Days at NAIAS 2002.

Charity Preview

Charity Preview, which once again raised a record $6,125,000 for 11 Detroit children's charities, will be held the evening of Friday, January 10, 2003. Tickets for the black-tie event will go on sale later this year.

Public Show

The auto show will open to the public on Saturday, January 11, and run through Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 20, 2003. NAIAS 2002 attracted 759,907 auto enthusiasts to Cobo Center.

About NAIAS

Celebrating its 15th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is considered among the most prestigious auto shows in the world. NAIAS 2002 hosted 54 vehicle introductions, including 40 worldwide introductions and 14 North American introductions. The NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn the distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world.