Detroit Reinforces Position as Global Mobility Epicenter and Launch Pad for Future Industry Innovations

DETROIT, Jan. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today wrapped-up two weeks of industry-shaping reveals on its world stage as it welcomed President Obama, top government officials, automotive CEOs and over 800,000 car fans through Cobo Center's doors.

Today's strong finish of 104,263 attendees brought the total ticketed attendance to 815,575 edging out last year's total of 808,775.

"Being Chairman for the 2016 NAIAS and being part of a team that produces one of the most influential and powerful auto shows in the world is truly something special," said Paul Sabatini, 2016 NAIAS Chairman. "I'll never forget having the honor to escort President Obama around the auto show floor and have him witness all the vehicles and technologies that made their world debuts just days prior and will undoubtedly shape the future of our industry." 

NAIAS Executive Director Rod Alberts reported 5,068 journalists from 60 countries attended the two-day Press Preview that has become synonymous with attracting the world's top automotive leaders. Attending media saw 61 vehicle introductions with nearly 90 percent of them being worldwide reveals.

Media and auto show attendees alike saw a show floor that was completely redesigned this year. More than 70 percent of the displays are newly designed, representing about a $200 million investment on the part of exhibiting automakers, suppliers and partners.

"It's very rewarding to have the strong commitment and partnership from the top automakers to bring their best to Detroit, and journalists respond to these significant brand announcements by generating international news and social buzz felt around the world," said Alberts.

Sabatini added, "As the automotive industry continues to evolve, NAIAS continues to explore new partnership opportunities that will maintain our global leadership position and keep Detroit as the mobility epicenter of the world."

2016 NAIAS has an estimated economic impact of $430 million to the regional economy (per economist David Sowerby), up $30 million from the previous year.

"The auto show is something everyone in this region should be extremely proud of," added Sabatini. "The $430 million in economic impact is nearly equivalent to having two Super Bowls in Detroit every year, a truly astounding figure when you stop and think about it."

2016 NAIAS Highlights:

• The Gallery
  • Exclusive ultra-luxury showcase of more than $7 million worth of exotic supercars and flagship vehicles
  • In partnership with luxury lifestyle authority Robb Report, a world-class array of silent auction items generated $40k in proceeds for the DADA Charitable Foundation.
  • 500 guests enjoyed dinner served by world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck.
• Press Preview
  • 5,068 journalists from 60 different countries and 40 U.S. states
  • 61 vehicle introductions
    • 46 worldwide production
    • 8 worldwide concept
    • 1 North America production
    • 6 auto show debuts (vehicles never before seen at an auto show in the world)
• Industry Preview
  • 39,788 (record attendance) people attended from 2,000 companies and 25 countries
• Charity Preview
  • 13,075 people attended the world's largest single-night fundraiser, totaling $5.2 million for eight Southeastern Michigan children's charities.
  • $105.2 million raised since 1976 when the Detroit Auto Dealers Assoc. established Charity Preview
  • Huey Lewis and The News performed on Cobo Center's Atrium stage
• Studio 25
  • 2,561 people attended the North American International Auto Show's official Charity Preview afterglow party in Cobo Center's Grand Riverview Ballroom.
  • Guests rocked the night away to the music of Your Generation in Concert featuring Fifty Amp Fuse, sampled gourmet food and kicked back at the 80-foot bar overlooking the international waterway
• Total Ticketed Attendance:
  • 815,575

About the North American International Auto Show
Now in its 28th year as an international event, the NAIAS 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. Administered by Executive Director Rod Alberts, the NAIAS is one of the largest media events in North America, and 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. For more information, visit naias.com.

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SOURCE North American International Auto Show