NAIAS 2011 - Motor City's Auto Show

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Parent Category: Expos and Conventions

Category: Previews

Published on Thursday, 20 January 2011 05:00

Written by Lynne Shannon

The North American International Auto Show 2011 (NAIAS) is being held at Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan from January 10-23, 2011.

Now in its 23rd year, this event is North America’s largest and most prestigious automotive showcase. 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. Put simply, this is the “grand slam” of American auto shows.

With more than 500 vehicles on display, NAIAS is virtually four shows in one: a media preview, an industry preview, a charity preview and a public show with a 9-day run.

Last year, NAIAS featured 37 vehicle debuts with 27 of those being worldwide introductions, and more than 700,000 visitors attended during the public show -- a record already shattered the first three days of this year's Show.

Says Barron Meade, chairman, 2011 NAIAS:  "We're again bringing a wide array of exhibitors featuring the latest in environmental technologies for automotive and lifestyle into Michigan Hall with Smarter Living in Michigan sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and DTE Energy, which will once again include the popular ride and drive element."

The annual Charity Preview gala event, scheduled for January 14 will feature a concert by The Rockets, a legendary Detroit rock band. 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. Proceeds directly benefit a wide range of children's charities that support services for children of all ages from birth to 18.

Keynote speakers:

Dan Akerson, CEO, General Motors
Mark Fields, Executive VP, Ford Motor Company
Ralph Gilles, President & CEO Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC

Exhibits and features of emerging technology:

The Ride and Drive is back with an indoor test track featuring electric-drive and hybrid vehicles from leading domestic and import manufacturers. Featured technologies include solar cars, charging stations, batteries, transit connect, rolling chassis, and alternative energies.

Among the First Look vehicles this year:

The 2013 Ford Focus Electric, scheduled for arrival at the end of this year, is being touted by the company as the first "fuel-free, rechargeable passenger car from Ford." The all-electric powertrain has a single-speed transmission, using an advanced lithium-ion battery system Ford developed with LG Chem that uses heated and cooled liquid to maximize battery life. The driving range is 100 miles and fully recharges in three to four hours at 240 volts.

The 2012 BMW 650i Convertible is full of electronics like Driving Dynamic Control, which allows the driver to dial in how the car responds with throttle mapping, steering assist, damping, stability, and traction control. It also is equipped with BMW's new ConnectedDrive, which includes Auto High Beam control, lane departure warning system, auto blindspot detection, rear and top view cameras for parking assistance, proximity sensors, night vision, 3-D heads-up display and even active cruise control with start/stop capability.

Toyota’s exhibit blends environmental and technological imagery in support of its new and existing vehicles, and especially features the “Prius Zone,” including the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV). Toyota is also bringing the ultimate “Swagger Wagon,” the 2011 Sienna, which has been stretched an additional four feet in length.

The exhibit also includes a “Safety Zone,” which features elements of Toyota’s Star Safety System. Toyota’s standard safety equipment can be experienced interactively with a driving Safety Simulator and a contestant-focused Safety Game Show.

Further highlights:

North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year Awards – The 18th annual awards program recognizes vehicles that have become benchmarks in their respective segments. This year’s finalists: Chevrolet Volt, Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Leaf as the three finalists for the 2011 North American Car of the Year. The finalists for the 2011 North American Truck of the Year are the Dodge Durango, the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.  The winners:  the Chevrolet Volt and the Ford Explorer, respectively.

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

For more information, visit www.naias.com.

North American International Auto Show 2010
January 10-23, 2011

Cobo Center
One Washington Boulevard
Detroit, Michigan
313.877.8777

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