2007 North American International Auto Show Economic Impact Projected Between $540 to $550 Million

DETROIT, Dec. 13, 2006 -- The economic impact of the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is projected to be consistent with last year, reaching between $540 - $550 million, said David Sowerby, C.F.A., portfolio manager and chief market analyst at Loomis Sayles & Co.

"The NAIAS covers two full weeks, plus the considerable assembly that begins in late October each year and the dismantling of the individual exhibits afterward. The NAIAS is consistently the number one contributor to business activity in Detroit due to the amount of time spent on its extensive set-up and execution," said Sowerby. "Intense competition in the auto industry has also inspired new display designs for one-third of the exhibits this year."

Among the most important factors that are expected to contribute to this year's total include:

  * In 2007, the motor vehicle industry is again unveiling over 45 new
    models only at the NAIAS.
  * Ticket sales for NAIAS 2007 Public Days, Industry Days and the Charity
    Preview are running well in spite of the challenging issues that
    confront the industry.
  * A positive year for travel, consistent with an expanding national
    economy, could lead to favorable attendance.  For example, major travel
    companies are witnessing 10 percent gains in revenue supported by rising
    income levels, improved labor markets and improved consumer confidence
    as energy prices have subsided from the abnormally high levels that
    prevailed in July.  Gasoline prices have declined nearly $1.00 a gallon,
    supporting stronger consumer spending.
  * Local area personal income growth is currently growing at a 4.0-4.5
    percent pace.  The rate of growth in personal income has a high
    correlation with the anticipated total economic benefit gains for the
    auto show and likely details why revenues should be stable versus last
    year.

"We are extremely proud of the annual economic impact the NAIAS brings to our region," said Robert Thibodeau, Jr., senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2007. "Ranging from hotels to restaurants to exhibit companies and retail, everywhere so many businesses and their families reap the benefit of this show year in and year out. Our goal is to keep that revenue stable and here in Michigan for the continued benefit to our economy."

100th Anniversary

In 2007, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) will celebrate the centennial of its successful association with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Since its inception in 1907, the show has grown from a regional event featuring 17 exhibitors to an internationally-sanctioned show with over 90 exhibitors, adding more than $600 million to the metro Detroit region last year alone. With the support of Detroit area auto dealers the NAIAS features more new vehicle debuts and garners more media coverage than any show in North America.

NAIAS 2007 Official Dates

Press Preview Days will be held Sunday, Jan. 7 through Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007. Industry Preview Days will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 10 and Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007. The Charity Preview will be held Friday evening, Jan. 12, 2007. Public Days are Saturday, Jan. 13, through Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007.

  The North American International Auto Show
  Rod Alberts - Executive Director

Entering its 19th 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/. The drive, design and desire for cars is here in Detroit!