Glitzy cars and concepts, technology of the future, thousands of journalists and top governmental officials are only the front fender to the vehicle that was going to drive the world’s economy forward, starting on 11 January 2010 when the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) opened its doors. The NAIAS is not only the place to learn about what the international automakers have planned for the future, it is also a forum on the industry's top leaders.
 
A series of top-class symposiums attracted the world, featuring a look at the past, present and future of technologies designed to move the industry and the global economy forward.
 
Initial symposiums on Thursday 14 January at NAIAS included:
 
- TARDEC presented 'Driving Energy Solutions – Commercial & Military'
- The Henry Ford presented 'The Past and Future of the Electric Car'
- The Centre for Automotive Research presented 'The Electrification of the Vehicle – From Oil to the Grid'
- U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Gary Peters presented 'The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009 – Expanding Public / Private Opportunities'
 
All these events are part of the 2010 NAIAS’ aggressive 'green presence' this year. Exhibits and features providing the necessary backdrop to emerging technology trends included:
 
- The main show floor featured Electric Avenue, a 37,000 square-foot area, dedicated to showcasing the latest in electric vehicles and technology by both traditional automakers and innovative entrepreneurs.
 
- The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has returned with the EcoXperience, which once again is featured in Michigan Hall, offering a quarter-mile track through a Michigan-designed landscape. Journalists were able to drive low-emission vehicles indoors, while the public experienced the same track by taking rides during public days.