Strong start attracts 208,675 – beats 2013 opener
Detroit, Mich., Jan. 20, 2014 – The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) attracted more than 100,000 people for the second consecutive day, marking a strong opening weekend for the 2014 show.
On Sunday 102,115 people attended the show, according to NAIAS Chairman Bob Shuman. The two-day total slightly bests the combined first and second day numbers from 2013.
“The cars are fantastic, the exhibits are works of art, and the weather cooperated,” said Shuman. “The real beneficiaries are the people who made it to the show this weekend. They experienced the absolute best that a healthy auto industry has to offer.”
The enthusiasm was evident on the show floor as moms, dads and kids gazed at, sat in, and photographed what Detroit’s world stage had to offer.
“Exhibits, designed to educate, entertain and amaze feature more interactive events than at any other NAIAS,” added Shuman. “The Detroit show has become a sensory extravaganza with spectacular new vehicles at the center of it all.”
NAIAS continues through Sunday, Jan. 26. Public show ticket prices: Adults: $13; Seniors: $7 (65 and older); Children 7 – 12: $7 (6 and under free when accompanied by a parent or guardian). For show hours and more information, visit naias.com
About the North American International Auto Show
Now in its 26th 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.
$4.8 MILLION RAISED FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITIES, UP AN ASTOUNDING 30 PERCENT FROM 2013
Detroit, Mich., Jan. 17, 2014 – If there was ever a doubt that the automobile industry is healthy, and that the indomitable spirit of Detroit is alive and well, that notion was put to rest tonight.
Tonight, industry and community joined together for the largest single night fundraiser in North America, and for the 13,791 people who attended the 2014 North American International Auto Show Charity Preview, it was both a night to show the world that Detroit takes care of its children, and a night to shout to the world that we are standing strong – together.
NAIAS reported tonight that the 2014 Charity Preview, presented by RBS Citizens Charter One, raised and astounding $4.8 for 9 children’s charities during an evening of glamour, elegance, gorgeous gowns and, more than anything, confident smiles. The 2014 Charity Preview results represent nearly a million dollar increase in funds raised over 2013 – and the highest amount raised since 2008.
“The evening was absolutely electric,” said Bob Shuman, chairman, NAIAS 2014. “It was a sea of sequence and black, and the accessories were the smiles of 13,000 plus people celebrating our industry by giving back to the kids in our community.”
Charities benefitting from the event include Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Boys and Girls Hope Detroit, The Children’s Center, The Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Detroit Institute of Children, Judson Center, March of Dimes Metro Detroit, and Detroit PAL.
Funds raised by the Charity Preview go even further with the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund. Each year, charitable organizations from throughout the region submit proposals for grants from the DADA Charitable Fund to support worthy programs to improve and enhance the lives of children and youth. Approximately 10 grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 are awarded from the fund annually.
Including tonight, since 1976, the NAIAS Charity Preview has raised over $95 million for Southeast Michigan Children’s Charities, over $54 million of which was raised in the last 10 years alone.
The black tie crowd enjoyed 4,400 bottles of champagne, 1,000 lbs. of beef, 20,000 bottles of wine, 35,000 bottles of beer from the Detroit Beer Company, 1,200 lbs. of shrimp, 2,100 lbs. of deli meet, 600 limos filled the street and 378 cans of hair spray held it all together and the women enjoyed a comfortable pair of evening of evening slippers provided by Cars.com.
Charity Preview marks the close of Preview Week, which included Press Preview and Industry Preview. 5,169 journalists – 31 percent which were international – from 60 countries including Mongolia and Qatar and 39 states, including Hawaii for the first time attended the Press Preview and saw 50 vehicle unveilings, most of of which were global. The show is now open to the public through Sunday, Jan. 27.
Tomorrow, the show opens to the public, running through Sunday, Jan. 26.