2006 North American International Auto Show Welcomes Canadian Visitors

DETROIT, Jan. 8, 2006 -- As the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) enters its 18th year as an international event, Canadians are again invited to experience one of the most exciting displays for production and concept vehicles in North America.

"Because NAIAS 2006 promises to be a blockbuster event, we are anticipating an increase in international attendees this year. For our Canadian neighbors, the border crossings are simple and easy to navigate, if you are prepared," said NAIAS 2006 senior co-chairman, Richard Genthe.

There are several options for transportation into and out of Michigan from Canada:

  * The Ambassador Bridge offers multiple lanes of traffic flow over the
    Detroit River.  Trips across the bridge cost $2.75 US or $4.00 Canadian
    one-way, per vehicle, including motorcycles.

  * The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel is an underground passage beneath the Detroit
    River.  Trips through the tunnel cost $3.50 US or $4.75 Canadian
    one-way, per vehicle. The return trip costs $2.50 US or $3.50 Canadian.
    Motorcycles are prohibited in the tunnel.

  * Also provided by the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel is the Tunnel Bus, operated
    by Transit Windsor.  The Tunnel Bus offers low cost transportation
    between downtown Windsor and Detroit.  For more information
    http://www.dwtunnel.com/bus.html.

  * Approximately one hour north of Detroit, the Blue Water Bridge is a
    three-lane highway bridge. The trip from Canada to Michigan costs $2.00
    US or $2.50 Canadian per vehicle.  The return trip costs $1.50 US or
    $2.00 Canadian per vehicle.

Knowing what to expect and coming prepared with the appropriate identification documents are essential for passengers making the trip to NAIAS 2006. Visitors should have a passport or, if the passenger does not have a passport, two forms of identification that can include a driver's license or birth certificate. Every passenger in the vehicle needs these documents.

If you are bringing a child without their parent, visitors should make sure to have a letter authorizing permission to transport the child across the border with a signature from both parents.

In addition, any food items need to be declared. For questions about specific items please call the US Customs for the Ambassador Tunnel at 313-393-3942 or for the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel at 313-226-3161.

For information on traffic conditions for the Ambassador Bridge visit http://www.ambassadorbridge.com/. For information regarding the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel visit http://www.dwtunnel.com/. For questions concerning the Blue Water Bridge please visit http://www.bwba.org/.

Conversion prices for NAIAS 2006 tickets are $14 CAN for adults; $7 CAN for senior citizens and $6 CAN for children 7-12. Children 6 and under are free when accompanied by a parent and do not require a ticket to enter the show.

As an added convenience, NAIAS 2006 has instituted the Click and Park online program. Click and Park allows show attendees the convenience of purchasing a parking space in select lots near the NAIAS up to 24 hours prior to attending.

  To purchase a space through Click and Park follow these simple steps:
  1. Go to http://www.naias.com/
  2. Click on "Directions and Travel" and select pre-purchase parking
  3. Select date you plan to attend the NAIAS and click "view event parking"
  4. Select lot from various parking areas
  5. Enter credit card number and personal information
  6. Receive ePermit, parking permit and customized directions via email
  7. Print ePermit and bring with you for selected lot access

Each Click and Park location will also offer a convenient shuttle service to and from Cobo Hall. Shuttle details can be found on www.naias.com. If a customer is unable to go online or print their permit, they should contact Click and Park Customer Service directly at 866-330-PARK during business hours of Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. ET.

NAIAS 2006 Official Dates

Press Preview Days will be held Sunday, Jan. 8, through Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. Industry Preview Days will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 11 and Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. The Charity Preview will be held Friday evening, Jan. 13, 2006. The public is encouraged to call 888-838-7500 to be placed on a wait list for tickets to the 2006 Charity Preview. Public Days are Saturday, Jan. 14, through Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006.

  The North American International Auto Show
  Rod Alberts -- Executive Director

Entering its 18th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is 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 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. The NAIAS Web site can be accessed at http://www.naias.com/. Don't Miss It for the World!