Record Number of Concept Vehicles and Introductions at the 2003 NAIAS
DETROIT, January 2, 2003; With 3 days left until the opening of the 2003 North American International Auto Show, automotive manufacturers are putting the finishing touches on the array of new vehicles to be unveiled to the world. This year, more than 60 production and concept vehicles will be introduced at the nation's premier auto show, January 5-20, 2003, at Cobo Center in Detroit.
"The volume of requests this year for press conferences was amazing," said NAIAS 2003 Senior Co-Chairman Bill Demmer. "There are nearly 50 press conferences scheduled over the course of four days with more than 60 vehicles being introduced. It shows how strong the automotive industry is and that the world hasn't lost its love affair with the automobile."
The following manufacturers are those scheduled to make introductions. For more information on any of these vehicles, access the latest issues of ShowTalk, the official newsletter of the NAIAS, at www.naias.com .
Worldwide Production Worldwide Concept Acura Aston Martin BMW BMW Cadillac Buick Chevrolet Chevrolet Ford Dodge Infiniti Ford Lexus Honda Toyota Hyundai Mazda Kia Mitsubishi Mercury Nissan Matra (Michelin) Volkswagen Mitsubishi Pontiac
North American Production Volvo
Bentley
Maybach North American Concept
GM
Mercedes-Benz
Renault Koleos (Michelin)
Vel Satis (Michelin)
Venturi Fetish (Michelin)
In addition to the new vehicles, vintage concept cars spanning the earlier days of the automotive industry will be on display in Michigan Hall of Cobo Center.
In a trend reversal from last year, six of the seven finalists for the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards are imported vehicles, with the HUMMER 2 being the domestic entry. Joining the HUMMER 2 are the Honda Element, Nissan Murano, Volvo XC90, BMW Mini Cooper, Infiniti G35, and Nissan 350Z. The winners will be announced January 5 at 10:45 a.m. in Michigan Hall, Cobo Center.
The Charity Preview, the world's largest annual single-night charity fundraising event, is on pace to sell out once again. Scheduled for Friday, Jan. 10, the event will host more than 17,500 attendees and raise more than $6 million for 11 local Detroit children's charities. The event has raised in excess of $38 million since its inception in 1976.
During last year's show, more than 6,000 media attended Press Preview Days, more than 20,000 industry employees and supporters from 2,800 international and domestic companies attended Industry Preview Days and approximately 700,000 people attended during Public Days.
NAIAS 2003 Official Dates
Sunday, Jan. 5, will be the first official Press Day for NAIAS 2003. Two full Press Days will follow on Monday, Jan. 6 and Tuesday, Jan. 7. NAIAS Industry Preview Days will be held Wednesday, Jan. 8 and Thursday, Jan. 9. Charity Preview will be held the evening of Friday, Jan. 10. The 2003 show will open to the public on Saturday, Jan. 11, and run through Monday, Jan. 20, 2003 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day).
About the North American International Auto Show
Celebrating its 15th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is considered among the most prestigious auto shows in the world and is one of the largest media events in North America. This year, the show is expected to host more than 50 new vehicle introductions. The NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn the 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 website can be accessed at www.naias.com .
