National Press Release

MEDC EcoXperience Ride and Drive Takes Over Cobo's Michigan Hall

DETROIT, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- A new ride and drive element highlighting the green future of the automotive industry has been added to the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). During the NAIAS press preview (Jan. 11-13) and Public Show (Jan. 17-25) attendees will be able to experience the latest in technology in a ride-and-drive format on a track built in Michigan Hall. NAIAS organizers have set aside 70,000 sq. ft. of floor space to feature this initiative in panoramic nature surroundings.

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"This year's NAIAS is historic in its impact on the global economy," said NAIAS Executive Director, Rod Alberts. "At no other time is more critical for the nearly 6,000 international journalists of the world to see the future and strategy of the automotive industry. The MEDC EcoXperience is the best way for automakers to bring to life the vehicles that have been on their drawing boards and could be in consumer garages very soon."

This major NAIAS initiative sponsored by MEDC will put the spotlight on progress the global automotive industry is making in the realm of alternative propulsion technology.

"The MEDC is extremely pleased to lend its support to an event that can show the world the wealth of technology and foresight the automotive industry has at its heart - Michigan," said Lisa Dansock, Vice President, MEDC. "To be able to prove to the world that research and development is thriving is a clear sign to the public, the legislature and the world that while the industry is being cost efficient, it is not willing to mortgage its future by being short-sighted. Alternative powers and innovation does exist and the MEDC EcoXperience is proof."

Automakers will share current and future modes of alternative propulsion technology on the MEDC EcoXperience course with the vehicles available for press test drives, while visitors on public days will also be able to experience the ride and drive with rides chauffeured by either professional drivers or respective product specialists.

The course design will allow vehicles up to and including full-size SUV hybrids to be driven in the MEDC EcoXperience. In order to ensure the safety of participants, a 10 mph speed limit will be enforced and crash-barriers will be installed around the perimeter.

NAIAS 2009 Official Dates

January 11 - 25 at Cobo Center in Detroit

Press Preview will be held Sunday, Jan. 11 through Tuesday, Jan. 13

Industry Preview will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14 and Thursday, Jan. 15

The annual black-tie Charity Preview gala will be held Friday evening, Jan. 16

Public Days will be held Saturday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 25

The North American International Auto Show

Rod Alberts - Executive Director

Entering its 21st 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!

SOURCE North American International Auto Show