NAIAS 2004 Announces 1993-2003 Economic & Attendance Growth

Data provided by Comerica Chief Economist David Littmann

DETROIT, May 30 -- The economic activity brought to Southeast Michigan by the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) grew 86 percent from $288 million in 1993 to approximately $536.8 million in 2003, according to Comerica Bank chief economist, David Littmann. By comparison, a study done by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway showed that the Indianapolis 500 has an estimated annual economic impact of $330 million. The NAIAS released the data today as organizers continue preparation for the 2004 show running Jan. 4-19, 2004 at Detroit's Cobo Center.

"The economic impact of the NAIAS benefits people from all walks of life, and has a positive impact on the entire Southeast Michigan region," said Chuck Fortinberry, senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2004. "For union laborers, independent contractors, electricians, carpenters, exhibit companies, the Cobo Center staff and many others, the economic activity brought by the NAIAS from October to the end of January represents a major portion of the year's revenue. What they gain from the show has a ripple effect on the entire community."

NAIAS 2004 co-chairman Bill Cook adds, "These ten-year numbers are quite remarkable, but if we were to take a look back at 1988 when the show first became an international event, the numbers would be even more astounding. This further reinforces the fact that we need to make every effort in our community of Southeast Michigan to maintain the show's international status, an important aspect that drives the growth of not only the show, but our local economy, as well."

In addition, attendance at the NAIAS from 1983-2003 grew 78 percent from 454,700 to 810,700. Between 1983 and 1993, the NAIAS' attendance increased 37.7 percent, from 454,700 to 626,000. From 1993 to 2003, attendance grew to 810,700 -- representing a 30 percent increase.

"Given the way our attendance has grown in the last 20 years, attendance will be approximately 1.4 million in 2023 -- and Cobo Center just isn't big enough. This is yet another reason why expansion of the facility is greatly needed," said Fortinberry.

There were 45 major exhibitors at 1993's show, and 66 exhibitors in 2003. These two variables account for an estimated 75 percent of the economic impact of the show, when viewed as aggregate spending.

  Other noteworthy features of NAIAS' expansion since 1993 include:

  Media attention:

-- The number of media attending the show has tripled from 2,402 in 1993 to 6,735 in 2003, with 35% being international media.

-- Countries represented by the media have doubled from 24 in 1993 to 52 in 2003.

Charity Preview:

-- Attendance has doubled from 8,700 in 1993 to a capped attendance of 17,500 in 2003.

-- Funds raised of $1.1 million in 1993, have sextupled to $6.125 million in 2003, and increased 20-fold since 1990.

About the NAIAS

In 2003, 61 new vehicles were unveiled during the three-day Press Preview period. More than 27,000 employees of 2,000 auto manufacturer and supplier companies attended Industry Preview Days, which are an exclusive opportunity for companies in the automotive industry to invite key contacts, suppliers and employees to preview the NAIAS before the show opens to the public.

The Charity Preview annual black-tie fundraising gala raised $6.125 million for Detroit-area children's charities in 2003 by selling all 17,500 tickets at $350 each. The public is encouraged to call 888-838-7500 to be placed on a wait list for the 2004 event.

Co-chairmen for the 2004 NAIAS will be Chuck Fortinberry, president of Clarkston Chrysler-Jeep (Clarkston, Mich.), and Bill Cook, of Cook Imports (Farmington Hills, Mich.).

NAIAS 2004 Official Dates

Cobo Center in Detroit will host the NAIAS with Sunday, Jan. 4, the first official Press Day for NAIAS 2004. Two full Press Days will follow on Monday, Jan. 5 and Tuesday, Jan. 6. NAIAS Industry Preview Days will be held Wednesday, Jan. 7 and Thursday, Jan. 8. Charity Preview will be held the evening of Friday, Jan. 9. The 2004 show will open to the public on Saturday, Jan. 10, and run through Monday, Jan. 19, 2004 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day).

About the North American International Auto Show

In January 2003, Detroit concluded its 87th Auto Show, representing the 15th consecutive year as the expanded North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Entering its 16th 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. 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 Web site can be accessed at www.naias.com .