National Press Release

DETROIT, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of automotive industry insiders, engineers and designers will converge on the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) this Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 14-15, for a unique networking experience and an up-close look at the exciting production and concept vehicles on display at this year's show.

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NAIAS Industry Preview Days, co-sponsored by Detroit Auto Dealers Association, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Business Week, provides an opportunity for automotive companies to invite their key contacts, suppliers and employees to get an up-close and personal preview of the shows attractions including several future production and concept hybrid and full electric vehicles.

"This year's show comes at a pivotal point for the automotive industry," said Executive Director, Rod Alberts. "Nowhere is that more evident than in the number and scope of future and near-future hybrid, pure electric vehicles and environmentally-efficient technologies revealed by the world's automotive manufacturers over the past several days. This year's Industry Preview Days is a must-attend event for anyone in the automotive industry."

    Featured events include:
    -- Inforum's annual auto show breakfast "Recession Defense: Making Smart
       Vehicle Choices" will be held at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance
       Center on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. The event will
       focus on how consumers can balance making small, smart, safe and
       sustainable automotive choices and what this automotive transformation
       means to consumers and our region. Presenting their own views on this
       topic will be a top panel of industry leaders, including Sue Cischke,
       Senior Vice President, Sustainability, Environment & Safety
       Engineering, Ford Motor Company; Rebecca Lindland, Global Insights; and
       Beth Lowrey, Vice President, Environment & Energy, General Motors. The
       first 300 people to register will receive a complimentary ticket to the
       NAIAS public days. The event is sponsored by BASF. Register at
       inforummichigan.org or call 313.578.3230.

    -- China and the Future of Global Auto Manufacturing - will be held at
       Cobo Center, Room W2-63 on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30
       p.m. Presented by the China Business Update and China Automotive
       Review, attendees will learn about the latest developments of China's
       automotive market and meet top executives from Chinese OEM exhibitors
       at a unique networking event. Contact Mr. Wei Geng at 413.253.2775 or
       email conference@cbuauto.com for more information.

Industry Preview Days are from Wednesday, Jan. 14 from noon to 9 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 15 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased at naias.com or by calling 248-283-5169.

NAIAS 2009 Official Dates

The 2009 show will take place Jan. 11 - 25, 2009 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.

About the North American International Auto Show

Rod Alberts - Executive Director

Entering its 21st year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) hosts more brands, manufacturers and media than any other automotive event in the Western Hemisphere. 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 (OICA), 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.

SOURCE North American International Auto Show