Overseas Media Flock in Record Numbers to the 2005 North American International Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2005 -- More than 6,600 journalists from 60 countries and 42 states attended Press Days during the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) at COBO Center in Detroit. The universal appeal of this year's show is unprecedented, as international media attendance for NAIAS 2005 jumped 20 percent.

"We are extremely pleased with the media turnout at this year's show," said NAIAS 2005 senior co-chairman, Bill Cook. "From the Czech Republic to the Dominican Republic, from New York to California, NAIAS 2005 attracted a large number of media from all over the world. The sizeable influx of overseas journalists signals a trend for the NAIAS of increased international media attendance and a growing global audience."

Media attending NAIAS 2005 covered 42 press conferences and witnessed more than 60 vehicle unveilings during Press Days.

Media coverage kicks into high gear Jan. 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. as the NAIAS and NBC Sports partner to host a live, two-hour special featuring the world's top automakers and their exciting products from the show floor in COBO Center. The first-time event will mark the closing day of NAIAS 2005, and will feature NBC's NASCAR broadcast team, Allen Bestwick, Wally Dallenbach and Bennie Parsons.

NAIAS 2005 Official Dates

Industry Preview Days will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 12 and Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005. The Charity Preview will be held Friday evening, Jan. 14, 2005. Public Days are Saturday, Jan. 15, through Sunday, Jan. 23, 2005.

About the North American International Auto Show

Entering its 17th 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 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 http://www.naias.com/.