The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) released its initial press conference schedule

by Dave Chess

On With the Show! Auto Industry's Main Event on Deck: The 2011 North American International Auto Show - Nuances to Press Conference Schedule Reflects International Auto Show Trends - Two Distinct Press Days on Monday, Jan. 10 and Tuesday, Jan. 11 Offer Never-Before-Seen Products and Technologies

TROY, Mich., The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today released its initial press conference schedule for the 2011 world-premier event to be held at Detroit's Cobo Center Jan. 10-23. The 2011 NAIAS will feature press events by more than 15 manufacturers as more than 30 brands will showcase an anticipated 30-40 worldwide debuts in addition to some of the industry's top suppliers and related events.

In line with trends of international automotive shows such as Geneva, Paris, and Frankfurt, and to also accommodate customer demand -- both the auto manufacturers and the media who attend the show -- the 2011 NAIAS is making game-changing moves in how it is scheduling the cadence of some of the world's most highly touted worldwide debuts. As a reflection of the "new normal" in the 2011 automotive industry and an unprecedented demand for news conference timeslots from the past two years, NAIAS will feature two distinct press days.

The first Press day, Mon., Jan. 10, will feature exciting worldwide, never-before-seen products, as well as significant North American introductions which will steer the direction of the industry for years to come. The second Press day, Tues., Jan. 11, will showcase highly anticipated innovative technological advancements by auto companies and suppliers while including additional key product unveilings. NAIAS officials note more surprises are on the horizon and will be providing updates up to show time, especially with regard to the lineup of press conferences and critical industry events on Tues., Jan. 11.

"NAIAS is uniquely positioned to have the flexibility to deliver on the needs of exhibitors and media," said 2011 NAIAS Chairman, Barron Meade. "We've heard from media and our exhibitors that with a new year of product and information demands, we had to be creative in our scheduling to maximize the time of international journalists while also providing forums that address all aspects of the industry -- the trends, the innovations, and the final products."

Other popular questions surface each year related to NAIAS, one of the world's most highly anticipated events. This year, Meade and Bill Perkins, Vice Chairman, 2011 NAIAS, answer questions for the coming year:

Q. How is 2011 different than years prior at NAIAS?

B. Meade: "The entire industry is seeing a welcomed resurgence and as always, NAIAS is at the forefront as the primary forum for opinion leaders from the international media, global automotive leaders who are the decision makers of the industry, and thousands of knowledgeable consumers looking to purchase a vehicle. In 2009, we were asked if the industry would survive; and 2010 saw a building of momentum. In 2011, exhibitors and the NAIAS will deliver on the promise of the hard work and innovations alluded to along the way."

Q. How many reveals are you expecting for 2011 NAIAS?

B. Perkins: "NAIAS is set to do what it has always done: set the pace for the automotive industry's current year and provide a glimpse of the future. This year we anticipate having between 30-40 worldwide debuts in addition to some North American debuts and announcements of ground-breaking technologies."

"As part of our overall commitment to the industry, we host approximately 5,000 international journalists who attend our Press Preview days. I'd like to note, too, that although other shows may discuss vehicles introduced at their show, if you look closely at those announcements, you will find that many vehicles have already been shown in international shows elsewhere, and may even have also already been driven and reviewed by journalists. At the NAIAS, we have exciting vehicles that have never been seen before, and the North American introductions are counted only if Detroit is the first time they've been shown in the United States. These are statistics that can't be matched by other domestic shows."

"Additionally, we're pleased to serve another important element of our show, the car-buying public. Having the opportunity to get close to the newly-introduced vehicles is a good way for our southeast Michigan -- and beyond -- visitors and potential customers to make their buying decisions."

Q: What other nuances can we expect from 2011 NAIAS?

B. Meade: "Expanding its commitment to featuring alternative energy technologies, NAIAS 2011 will feature "Smarter Living in Michigan" presented by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and DTE Energy. This exhibition area includes the MEDC Town Square and the Smarter Living exposition area, sponsored by DTE Energy. "Smarter Living in Michigan" will transform Michigan Hall into an interactive display showcase, highlighting the many ways that Michigan companies are building and creating "green" communities and sustainable lifestyles. The MEDC Town Hall and Smarter Living display area will also include a test track featuring electric-drive and hybrid vehicles from multiple manufacturers."

B. Perkins: "A number of enhancements will have been made to Cobo Center by the time NAIAS 2011 opens its doors. Cobo will have had improvements to its loading docks, escalator upgrades, heating and cooling systems, enhanced security management and a new catering company for all onsite food and beverage needs. The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority facilitated these changes and earlier this year approved a long-term strategic plan for Cobo's renovation, including a proposed expansion."

NAIAS 2011 EXHIBITOR PRESS CONFERENCE SCHEDULE as of 12/16/10

THIS SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Please visit naias.com often for the most current schedule.

Press conferences will be held on exhibitor stands unless otherwise noted. VALID CREDENTIAL REQUIRED FOR SHOW FLOOR ACCESS.

Monday, January 10, 2011

5:00 am

Media Credential Office Opens / Oakland Concourse

5:30 am

Main Show Floor and Michigan Hall Opens

6:00-6:30 am

Porsche Breakfast

6:30-7:00 am

Porsche

7:00-7:25 am

VDA/German Association of the Automotive Industry / W2-60

Schaeffler Group immediately following / W2-60

7:00-7:25 am

Johnson Controls / D2-15

7:30-7:50 am

NAIAS 2011 Opening Ceremony / Michigan Hall Stage

8:00-8:30 am

North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards / Michigan Hall Stage

8:40-9:05 am

Chrysler

9:15-9:40 am

Buick

9:55-10:30 am

Ford / Cobo Arena

10:45-11:10 am

Volkswagen

11:20-11:45 am

Mercedes-Benz

11:55 am -12:20 pm

BMW

12:25-12:50 pm

Audi

1:05-1:30 pm

Toyota / Riverview Ballroom

1:45-2:10 pm

Honda

2:20-2:45 pm

Bentley

2:55-3:20 pm

Hyundai

3:30-3:55 pm

MINI

4:05-4:30 pm

Tesla

4:35-5:00 pm

Jeep

5:10-5:35 pm

Kia

5:45-6:10 pm

BYD

6:15-6:40 pm

Chevrolet

7:30-7:55 pm

Panasonic / O2-33

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Times TBA:

Volvo

WIKISPEED

Mach 7 Motor Sports

EMC

Li-ion Motors Corp.

Venturi Automobiles

Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) / Michigan Hall, Smarter Living area

Michelin / Main Show Floor

ZF Group / Main Show Floor

EyesOn Design Awards / Michigan Hall Stage

DENSO / Main Show Floor

About the North American International Auto Show

Entering its 23rd year as an international event, the NAIAS (www.naias.com) is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most - up close and in one place. 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.

Press Preview - Monday-Tuesday, January 10-11, 2011

Industry Preview - Wednesday-Thursday, January 12-13, 2011

Charity Preview - Friday, January 14, 2011

Public Show - Saturday-Sunday, January 15-23, 2011

SOURCE North American International Auto Show