Glitzy cars and concepts, technology of the future, thousands of journalists and top governmental officials are only the front fender to the vehicle that is going to motor the world's economy during The North American International Auto Show 2010 (NAIAS) being held at Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan, from January 11-24, 2010.

Visitors can experience the next generation of transportation with more than 700 vehicles on display, representing the most innovative designs in the world in North America's largest and most prestigious automotive showcase. A series of symposiums will be held featuring a look at the past, present and future of technologies designed to move the industry and a global economy forward.

Exhibits and features of emerging technology trends include:

Electric Avenue, a 37,000 square-foot area, presented by The Dow Chemical Company, dedicated to showcasing the latest in electric vehicles and technology by both traditional automakers and innovative entrepreneurs. The all-new exhibit area will feature nearly 20 vehicles, as well as symposiums and special events on the adjacent NAIAS stage.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) returns with The MEDC EcoXperience, which features a quarter-mile indoor ride-and-drive test track surrounded by landscaped and forested terrain. Attendees can take a ride in a variety of electric vehicles provided by various manufacturers, including avant-garde electric vehicle inventions.

MEDC is also introducing a dynamic, new exhibit, the MEDC Alternative Energy Showcase, which features ten of the most innovative alternative energy component suppliers displaying the latest battery and related technologies. Companies participating include A123 Systems, Johnson Controls-Saft, Dow-Kokam, DTE Energy and Sakti3.

Other participants include some of the nation's leading universities, such as Michigan Technological University and the University of Michigan as well as TARDEC, the nation's research lab for military energy initiatives. Department of Energy and MEDC funding for research and development activities have produced significant progress in the vital and expanding electric battery field.

Further highlights:

North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year Awards – The 17th annual awards program recognizes vehicles that have become benchmarks in their respective segments. This year’s winners are the Ford Fusion hybrid and Ford Transit Connect, for top car and top truck of the year respectively.

14th Annual Urban Wheels Awards – the Urban Car, Truck and Green Vehicles selected by a panel of 15 independent auto journalists. Recognizing a commitment to minority supplier contracts in the auto industry stimulus, lifetime achievement and pioneer awards will be presented.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to celebrate the launch of DECISIVE Multimedia, the multicultural, multimedia platform that will transform the way consumers make decisions regarding new products and services.

The Gallery will provide luxury vehicle enthusiasts an opportunity to see elite vehicles in a private setting, at the MGM Grand Detroit. This is a rare opportunity to see high-end luxury vehicles showcased under one roof, which include Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini, Spyker, and Aston Martin.

Charity Preview – Proceeds directly benefit a wide range of children's charities, which support services for children of all ages from birth to 18.  Since 1989, the Charity Preview has raised more than $79 million for southeastern Michigan children's charities - over $35 million of which was raised in the last six years alone.

Symposiums include:

TARDEC presents Driving Solutions - Commercial & Military

The Henry Ford presents Electric Cars - Past & Future

Center for Automotive Research presents Vehicle Electrification - From Oil to the Grid

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Gary Peters present The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009 - Expanding Public / Private Opportunities

Other panels include:

Green Vehicles & China’s Automobile Market

Detroit Economic Club –The Big Four at a Crossroad: What’s ahead for the Metro Detroit region in 2010?

AutoWeek Design Forum – the event recognizes and celebrates design as the ultimate differentiating factor that drives consumers’ interest and purchase decisions.

NAIAS Automotive Education Day – Students in grades 9-12 and college level have the unique opportunity to explore automotive career paths and learn about trends in the auto industry.

For more information, visit www.naias.com.

North American International Auto Show 2010
January 11-24, 2010
Cobo Center
One Washington Boulevard
Detroit, Michigan