The 2005 North American International Auto Show Presents Poster Contest Winning Entries

DETROIT, Jan. 20, 2005 -- The 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) shines a spotlight on creativity and artistry - not only in the form of fabulous automobiles, but in the winning entries of the annual NAIAS High School Poster Contest, currently on display at COBO Center.

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 through Saturday, Jan. 22, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 23, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) exhibit in Michigan Hall at COBO Center.

The 17th 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 44 high schools submitted 347 entries depicting an automotive theme or reference to the NAIAS.

The grand prize, the Chairman's Award of $1,000, was presented to Alex Hoover, an 11th grade student at the General Motors Technical Academy of Stoney Creek High School in Rochester Hills. The poster selected by NAIAS 2005 Co-Chairmen Bill Cook and Richard Genthe 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 at the official NAIAS Web site http://www.naias.com/ or by calling the NAIAS PR Desk at 248.643.2450.

AYES, the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (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 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/ .