The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) closed its doors Sunday, Jan. 25 after hosting more than 650,000 people, including nearly 5,500 journalists from more than 40 countries. Sunday alone played host to the largest attendance figure of public days with more than 92,000 people.

With more exhibitors than the 2008 show, the 2009 NAIAS featured 53 total vehicles unveiled, including 34 worldwide debuts and 19 North American debuts. In addition, more than $2.6 million was raised for children's charities at the annual black-tie Charity Preview gala.

The Show had a lot of highlights. Some are mentioned here:

• Onsite, the 2009 NAIAS played a role in the political landscape with bill signings on site and a tour of the show by Governor Jennifer Granholm, a visit from Attorney General Mike Cox, a tour by Detroit Mayor Ken Cockerel, Jr. and a fact-finding visit from Tennessee Senator Robert Phillips Corker, Jr.

• Furthermore for the first time in NAIAS history, Michigan Hall was converted into a ride-and-drive educational experience as host to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) EcoXperience. The venue allowed more than 25,000 participants an opportunity to see the future of the automotive industry in the latest vehicles featuring hybrid technology.

• The annual Charity Preview black-tie gala, held on Friday, Jan. 16, included a post-event concert by the legendary rock band The Doobie Brothers. The event, supported by noted Michiganders Jeff Daniels and Gov. Granholm raised more than $2.6 million for local children's charities. In support of the event, teen sensation The Jonas Brothers performed in a special engagement concert the Sunday following Charity Preview, for patrons that had purchased tickets to Friday night's festivities.

Entering its 22nd 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.



(Source: www.naias.com)