2009 Detroit Auto Show: Inernational Auto Show Industry Preview Focuses on Green Vehicles and Technologies

NAIAS welcomes thousands of industry insiders Jan. 14, 2009-15

DETROIT, January 14, 2009: Thousands of automotive industry insiders, engineers and designers will converge on the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) this Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 14-15, for a unique networking experience and an up-close look at the exciting production and concept vehicles on display at this year's show.

NAIAS Industry Preview Days, co-sponsored by Detroit Auto Dealers Association, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Business Week, provides an opportunity for automotive companies to invite their key contacts, suppliers and employees to get an up-close and personal preview of the shows attractions including several future production and concept hybrid and full electric vehicles.

"This year's show comes at a pivotal point for the automotive industry," said Executive Director, Rod Alberts. "Nowhere is that more evident than in the number and scope of future and near-future hybrid, pure electric vehicles and environmentally-efficient technologies revealed by the world's automotive manufacturers over the past several days. This year's Industry Preview Days is a must-attend event for anyone in the automotive industry."

Featured events include:

  -- Inforum's annual auto show breakfast "Recession Defense: Making Smart
     Vehicle Choices" will be held at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance
     Center on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. The event will
     focus on how consumers can balance making small, smart, safe and
     sustainable automotive choices and what this automotive transformation
     means to consumers and our region. Presenting their own views on this
     topic will be a top panel of industry leaders, including Sue Cischke,
     Senior Vice President, Sustainability, Environment & Safety
     Engineering, Ford Motor Company; Rebecca Lindland, Global Insights; and
     Beth Lowrey, Vice President, Environment & Energy, General Motors. The
     first 300 people to register will receive a complimentary ticket to the
     NAIAS public days. The event is sponsored by BASF. Register at
     inforummichigan.org or call 313.578.3230.

  -- China and the Future of Global Auto Manufacturing - will be held at
     Cobo Center, Room W2-63 on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30
     p.m. Presented by the China Business Update and China Automotive
     Review, attendees will learn about the latest developments of China's
     automotive market and meet top executives from Chinese OEM exhibitors
     at a unique networking event. Contact Mr. Wei Geng at 413.253.2775 or
     email conference@cbuauto.com for more information.

Industry Preview Days are from Wednesday, Jan. 14 from noon to 9 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 15 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased at naias.com or by calling 248-283-5169.

NAIAS 2009 Official Dates

The 2009 show will take place Jan. 11 - 25, 2009 at Cobo Center in Detroit. Press Preview will be held Sunday, Jan. 11 through Tuesday, Jan. 13. Industry Preview will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14 and Thursday, Jan. 15. The annual black-tie Charity Preview gala will be held Friday evening, Jan. 16. Public Days will be held Saturday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 25.