National Press Release

Michigan Hall to feature green vehicles at the EcoXperience

DETROIT, Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) opens to the public today at Cobo Center in Detroit, Mich. after a successful preview week which featured green vehicles and technologies, as well as over 50 vehicle unveilings.

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"Despite the global economic challenges facing journalists and automakers, preview week remained a rousing success," said Joe Serra, senior co-chair of the 2009 NAIAS. "Over 5,300 journalists from 49 countries attended this year's show proving the NAIAS is the most significant auto show in North America and one of the top shows in the world."

To compliment the hundreds of vehicles on display, Michigan Hall has been transformed into the EcoXperience, a 75,000 sq. ft. exhibit that features opportunities for attendees to ride in the latest green technologies. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the 400-foot track contains 200 trees, 500 bushes, 1,500 flowers and enough mulch to cover a football field six feet deep.

"The 2009 NAIAS has introduced the world to cleaner and greener vehicles than ever before," said Rod Alberts, NAIAS executive director. "The EcoXperience is a way for automakers to highlight how they are adapting vehicle lineups to be more eco-friendly and represents the future of the auto industry."

Public Days for the 2009 NAIAS are Saturday, Jan. 17 through Saturday, Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is no admittance one hour prior to show closing. Tickets for Public Days are $12 (USD) for adults; $6 (USD) for senior citizens (65 and older) and children aged 7-12 (must be purchased on site). Children six and under are free with their parent.

"The show and our exhibitors have something to offer everyone from auto enthusiasts to children sitting in their first concept vehicle," said Serra. "Additionally, we've kept ticket prices the same for the fifth consecutive year in an effort to make this an affordable and family friendly visit."

Family Friendly Attractions at 2009 NAIAS - Not only does the 2009 NAIAS show display more than 750 vehicles from worldwide manufacturers around the world, but such family friendly displays as interactive exhibits, video games and karaoke as well.

    --  It's not a movie theatre, but it's just as entertaining. Try
        the Taurus Theatre at the Ford exhibit - sit in a new 2010 Taurus with
        the exterior split in half. The two parts then close in around you so
        you can check out the inside, and then opens up again.
    --  The Raptor F-150 SVT Experience is a test driving game that you can play
        to drive a new F-150.
    --  Before you go on the show floor, stop by Autotrader.com to play their
        live game show. It's a Jeopardy-style game in which contestants are
        asked questions about cars in a Fox TV show or movie. Winners receive
        Fox swag.
    --  Denso features a hands-on exhibit featuring information on
        environmentally friendly products.
    --  It's karaoke, but in a Beetle. Play "Caraoke" in a
        Volkswagen Beetle and sing along to some of your favorite tunes.
    --  Try out a video game riding different Ford vehicles on the Wii platform.
    --  Using a touch screen computer, build your own Chrysler or Lexus vehicle
        at each respective exhibit featuring each automaker's new lineup.
    --  Stop by State Farm's exhibit in the concourse to play the Safe
        Driving Challenge game. Test your driving skills and learn how to make
        safe choices on the road.

Parking Options for 2009 NAIAS - The show encourages all attendees to plan their trip ahead of time. Below is a list of recommended parking options.

    --  Cobo Center Parking Garage, which is attached to the Cobo Center, is
        available during public days. Parking costs $10 for the entire day.
    --  Other parking garages include the Millennium Garage, on Congress between
        Cass and First streets is available for self-parking for the event and
        the Miller Parking Garage between Atwater and Bates streets.
    --  Click and Park, found online at www.ClickandPark.com, provides access to
        select Olympia, Sterling, Miller Parking and AMPCO parking lots up to 24
        hours before each show day and offers personalized directions and
        driving routes to each list.
    --  Shuttle services are also available to show attendees on Jan. 17-19, 24
        and 25 from the Detroit Zoo and The Henry Ford.  Information can be
        found online at the NAIAS official Web site, www.naias.com, in the
        Travel and Transportation sections. The cost is $5 to park at these
        locations and $5 to travel on a luxury motor coach to Cobo Center,
        children 12 and under are free. For handicapped access, contact Bianco
        Tours 24 hours in advance at 800-835-8904.

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