The 2004 North American International Auto Show Welcomes Poster Contest Winners

DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2004 -- Winners of the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) poster contest were on site at the show today to share their award-winning designs with the public.

Posters were designed by Michigan students in grades 9-12 and were judged by an independent panel of recognized members of the Detroit art community.

The winning posters will be on display during public show days from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, through Sunday, Jan. 18 and Monday, January 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) display in Michigan Hall, Cobo Center, Detroit.

The 16th Annual High School Poster Contest was established to encourage the creative minds of Michigan's future artists and recognize them for their talents. Students from 42 high schools submitted 320 entries depicting an automotive theme or reference to the NAIAS.

The grand prize, the Chairman's Award of $1,000, was presented to Johnene Tungl, a 12th grade student at Oakland Schools Technical Campus Southwest. The poster selected by NAIAS 2004 co-chairmen Chuck Fortinberry and Bill Cook is highlighted in the official auto show program.

Students from various Michigan high schools received $1,000, $500, $250 and $100 prizes for their designs. A complete list of winners is available by accessing the NAIAS Web site at www.naias.com or by calling the NAIAS PR Desk at 248-643-2450.

AYES, the Automotive Youth Educational System (AYES), is a dynamic partnership among participating automotive manufacturers, local dealers, and selected local high schools/tech prep schools. The Detroit Auto Dealer Association (DADA) utilizes AYES as a training tool with local schools. The DADA currently partners with William D. Ford Center and Technical Center, Fitzgerald High School and Oakland Technical Schools.

About the North American International Auto Show

Entering its 16th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is considered 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 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 Web site can be accessed at www.naias.com .