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North American International Auto Show Announces Plans and Attractions for 2008 - VIDEO ENHANCED


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DETROIT - November 12, 2007: In less than 70 days, the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will open its doors to more than 6,000 media from across the globe on Sun., Jan. 13, 2008 at Cobo Center. Recognized as a premier automotive showcase, the NAIAS will celebrate its 20th year as an international event and will feature world-class vehicle unveilings from the industry's top automakers, unprecedented media coverage, distinctive exhibits and several special events incorporating automotive design, technology and education.

"NAIAS 2008 is coming together fast. The 10-week construction period is well underway and automakers, show exhibitors and display companies are in high gear preparing for our four separate auto show segments: Press Preview, Industry Preview, the Charity Preview black-tie gala and Public Days," said Carl Galeana, senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2008. "With coverage of this show in every medium available in nearly every country, auto enthusiasts will have their finger on the pulse of the NAIAS with up-to-date news on all the fun and excitement of the show."

Press Preview Jam Packed
NAIAS officials are now creating the 2008 press conference schedule, which is slated to be announced in December. With three days of more than 40 press conferences planned from international automakers including key automotive suppliers and five Chinese manufacturers -- Changfeng Motor Group, BYD Auto Co., Geely International Corporation, China America Cooperative Automotive, Inc./ZXNA (Chamco) and Li Shi Guang Ming Auto Design Co. -- the NAIAS 2008 vehicle debut lineup is expected to feature a wide variety of never-before- seen production and concept vehicles.

"Although it's too early for the show to reveal all the plans for NAIAS 2008, we can confirm that we are expecting a great year for vehicle unveilings," said Joe Serra, NAIAS 2008 co-chairman. "Already the trends are showing that there will be a great emphasis this year on fuel-efficient vehicles, as well alternative technologies in powertrain. We also are expecting greater trends toward lighter vehicles that emphasize the role of design in maximizing space."

Another media draw, the winners of the 2008 North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards (NACTOY) will be announced at a news conference on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008. These prestigious, unique and independent awards are given by 45 automotive journalists from Canada and the United States. NACTOY is designed to recognize two new vehicles, a Car of the Year and Truck of the Year, that are benchmarks in their segments for safety, innovation, value-for- the-dollar, ride and handling.

The EyesOn Design Awards at NAIAS 2008 will be hosted by the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology (DIO) on Tuesday, Jan. 15, and will serve as an extension of the DIO's annual EyesOn Design car show held each June to honor and celebrate the past, present and future of automotive design. In addition to recognizing major design achievement in the automotive industry, funds raised by both EyesOn Design events support the DIO's mission to assist and educate the visually impaired, help preserve vision by public and professional education and support research related to the eye.

Charity Preview Evolves
The 2008 Charity Preview black-tie gala featuring musical entertainment and afterglows will take place Jan. 18, 2008 from 6 to 9 p.m. Since its inception in 1976, the Charity Preview has raised $71 million for children's charities in metro Detroit, nearly $40 million of which was raised in the last six years alone. The purchase of a single Charity Preview ticket provides medical treatment, clothing and support services for local kids in need. The NAIAS encourages the public to call 888-838-7500 to inquire about ticket availability for the 2008 Charity Preview. Tickets may be ordered online at www.naias.com

Industry Preview: An Insider's View of the Auto Industry

NAIAS 2008 Industry Preview will be Wednesday, Jan. 16 and Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008 and are an exclusive opportunity for industry insiders to preview one of the top auto shows in the world. Tickets are $75 and can be ordered by calling 248-283-5169 or ordered online at www.naias.com.

Celebrating its 15th consecutive year at NAIAS, the AutoWeek Design Forum will be held Wednesday, Jan. 16 during Industry Preview. The AutoWeek Design Forum brings together more than 700 students, car design professionals and allied designers, and will feature an outstanding like-up of speakers, a tour of the NAIAS show floor three days before it opens to the public, along with the Editor's Choice and Reader's Choice Awards.

Public Show Places Emphasis on Tailored Attractions

NAIAS 2008 is proud to announce the second annual Photo Contest sponsored by WWJ Newsradio 950 takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008. Visitors with a camera and an auto show ticket will be able to attend the show an hour early (8 a.m.) before the doors open to the general public, giving them unprecedented access to photograph the show floor and an opportunity for their photos to be posted on the NAIAS Web site.

Automotive Education Day returns for the fourth year at NAIAS 2008 on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. High school students (grades 9-12) will have the opportunity to participate in a positive and valuable offsite educational experience. This stimulating day is designed to provide an entertaining event that allows students to learn more about the automotive industry and available career opportunities.

NAIAS 2008 will host the 20th annual High School Poster Contest open to all Michigan residents enrolled in grades 10 through 12. Winners for this contest will be recognized at Automotive Education Day on Jan. 23, 2008. Posters of the winning entries may be displayed at the NAIAS 2008 and reproduced in the official NAIAS program, which is available to the public, corporate executives and automotive suppliers.

NAIAS Media Partners Bring the Show to Consumers

For the fourth year, NBC Sports will air an exclusive "International Auto Show" special, complete with NASCAR-style coverage. The show, to be broadcast on NBC affiliate stations nationwide, will air on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, from 3 to 4 p.m. EST.

In addition, WDIV-TV Local 4, the official broadcast partner for the NAIAS and exclusive network for the Charity Preview, will air the "International Auto Show" special, as well as a Charity Preview special and also feature a full complement of television programming beginning in December and leading up to and during NAIAS 2008.

A full complement of premier hotels, including a new downtown Detroit property, round out the NAIAS travel headquarters' hotel offerings for the upcoming show. The new MGM Grand Detroit joins a list of premium hotels available through the NAIAS travel headquarters, including the Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown, Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites and the Westin Detroit Metro Airport.

About NAIAS 2007
NAIAS 2007 attracted more than 6,000 media from 62 countries and 42 states who converged on Cobo Center to witness worldwide and North American vehicle unveilings at nearly 40 press conferences. Overall, more than 700,000 people attended the show during Public Days and NAIAS 2007 added $550 million to southeast Michigan's economy.

NAIAS 2008 Official Dates
Press Preview will be held Sunday, Jan. 13 through Tuesday, Jan. 15. Industry Preview will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 16 and Thursday, Jan. 17. The annual black-tie Charity Preview will be held Friday evening, Jan. 18. Public Days will be held Saturday, Jan. 19 through Sunday, Jan. 27.

Entering its 20th 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 www.naias.com. Don't Miss It for the World!