Detroit Auto Dealers and the North American International Auto Show To Celebrate 100 Years Together in Detroit

TROY, Mich., Nov. 30, 2006 -- Beginning in January 2007, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will celebrate the centennial of their successful association in hosting one of the world's premier automotive showcases.

"An anniversary like this only happens once in a lifetime," said Robert Thibodeau Jr., NAIAS 2007 senior co-chairman. "We are excited and proud to be a part of history and pledge to build on our predecessors' success. The NAIAS has evolved dramatically in 100 years. We intend to advance that upward trend in the next century.

For one hundred years the NAIAS has served as an ideal setting for the auto industry to present its most exciting products and technologies. As one of the world's premier automotive events, it has the single largest economic impact on metro-Detroit annually and contributes nearly $600 million to Michigan's economy each year, with nearly $100 million benefiting the city of Detroit.

"The Detroit Auto Dealers Association is proud to be a part of a legacy that has been such a huge contributor to the Detroit community," said Carl Galeana, NAIAS 2007 co-chairman. "The early dealer members of the DADA would be amazed by the stature and prestige the show has attained."

In addition, the NAIAS has witnessed many trends in its history. The 1980s marked the debut of minivans at the NAIAS and to the American marketplace. While SUVs and crossovers have been exceedingly popular in recent years, sports cars have always been a consumer favorite. In fact, classic models such as the Chevrolet Corvette and the Ford Mustang made their original debuts at the Detroit Auto Show in 1954 and 1965, respectively. Another milestone for the NAIAS was in 2006, when Geely made history as the first Chinese automaker to display a vehicle at the NAIAS.

The rich history began with the first DADA-managed Detroit Auto Show held in December 1907, at Riverview Park after the formation of the DADA in the same year. Since then, the show has grown from a regional event with 17 exhibitors to a world-class showcase featuring more than 60 exhibitors.

The Detroit Auto Show was held at many different sites around Detroit before finding a permanent home at Cobo Center in 1965, including the Light Guard Armory on Eight Mile, the Wayne Gardens Pavilion and the Michigan State Fairgrounds, to name a few.

Throughout its history, the show has enjoyed growth in the number of concept and production vehicles debuted at the NAIAS. As the decades passed, demand grew for grander exhibits. NAIAS was the first show to feature a two- story display in 1997 and just two years later there were 20 exhibits spanning multiple levels.

NAIAS enthusiasts can join in the celebration by downloading the commemorative screensaver to celebrate 100 years of the auto show and DADA in Detroit. Comprised of more than 60 pictures that depict many of the show's historical locations and exhibits from the last 100 years, the screensaver is available for download on the NAIAS Web site at http://www.naias.com/SubPage.aspx?id=926 .

NAIAS 2007 Official Dates

Press Preview Days will be held Sunday, Jan. 7 through Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007. Industry Preview Days will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 10 and Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007. The Charity Preview will be held Friday evening, Jan. 12, 2007. Public Days are Saturday, Jan. 13, through Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007.

  The North American International Auto Show
  Rod Alberts - Executive Director

Entering its 19th 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 an annual 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/ . The drive, design and desire for cars is here in Detroit!