North American International Auto Show Brought $2.6 Billion To Metro Detroit Economy During Last Six Years

DETROIT, Nov. 7 -- The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) brought $2.6 billion in economic activity to southeast Michigan from 1997 to 2002, according to estimates by Comerica Bank Chief Economist David Littmann. The NAIAS and Comerica Bank released the economic impact data jointly today as organizers continue preparation for the 2003 show in January at Detroit's Cobo Center.

Littmann confirms that the NAIAS is the largest annual contributor of economic activity to the city of Detroit and southeast Michigan.

"These direct and total impact figures related to the North American International Auto Show include many days of preparation, build-up and takedown -- 14 to 21 of which are quite intensive, related to the public showing," said Littmann, who based his calculations on all activity associated with the show.

During the NAIAS 2002, exhibit space for the 45 participating worldwide automakers reached one million square feet. More than 6,000 media attended during Press Preview Days, more than 23,000 industry employees and supporters from 2,800 international and domestic companies attended Industry Preview Days and more than 700,000 people attended during Public Days.

In addition, the sold-out 2002 Charity Preview, the world's largest annual single-night charity fundraising event, hosted more than 17,500 attendees and raised more than $6.125 million for 11 local Detroit children's charities. The event has raised in excess of $38 million since its inception in 1976.

"The eyes of the world are focused on Detroit each January as more than 6,000 journalists from around the world converge on our city, making the NAIAS one of the largest annual media events in North America," said Bill Demmer, senior co-chairman of the NAIAS. "Bringing this much activity and international acclaim to the region year in and year out is a great source of pride to the NAIAS, the automakers who exhibit with us, and the laborers who make it all come together."

Actual set-up of the NAIAS begins in early November, with final teardown happening in early February. During this time, more than 1,500 Teamsters, carpenters, stagehands, electricians, riggers and ironworkers are employed in preparing and maintaining the show -- often working double shifts -- to make sure everything is in pristine condition for the media and the public.

Display construction represents the greatest component of economic development with some exhibits costing more than $6 million each. The exhibits at the NAIAS have set a precedent for design that has impacted other auto shows around the country, with the first three-tier exhibit debuting at the 2002 NAIAS.

In addition, the influx of international and national visitors, particularly during Press Preview Days, results in significant Detroit-area hotel room bookings and increased use of public transportation.

"Because January is typically a period of lower spending, the annual economic impact of the NAIAS provides an excellent boost to the region each year," said Littmann.

Littmann's figures for the estimated economic impact of the upcoming NAIAS 2003 will be released in the coming months.

NAIAS 2003 Official Dates

Sunday, Jan. 5, will be the first official Press Day for NAIAS 2003. Two full Press Days will follow on Monday, Jan. 6 and Tuesday, Jan. 7. NAIAS Industry Preview Days will be held Wednesday, Jan. 8 and Thursday, Jan. 9. Charity Preview will be held the evening of Friday, Jan. 10. The 2003 show will open to the public on Saturday, Jan. 11, and run through Monday, Jan. 20, 2003 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day).

About Comerica Incorporated

Comerica Incorporated is a financial services company focused on business banking and asset gathering, with more than 500 customer-service locations throughout the United States. Comerica Bank, the lead subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated, is Michigan's oldest and largest bank. Comerica reported total assets of $53 billion at September 30, 2002.

About the North American International Auto Show

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 and is one of the largest media events in North America. This year, the show is expected to host more than 50 new vehicle 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. The NAIAS website can be accessed at www.naias.com .