With a full three months prior to show time, Detroit’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has secured dozens of worldwide vehicle introductions.
The products will debut in nearly all vehicle categories, including concepts, luxury, sports/performance, crossovers, trucks, SUVs, and alternative fuel technologies. More than 30 press conferences are expected to be held during two NAIAS Press Preview days, January 13-14, 2014, at Detroit’s Cobo Center.
After numerous meetings with global auto manufacturers in Detroit, Los Angeles and Frankfurt, the dynamic NAIAS executive team has returned with an impressive lineup of confirmed production and concept vehicles that automakers will show for the first time anywhere – at NAIAS 2014, largely considered to be one of the top five shows in the world.
NAIAS 2014 Chairman Bob Shuman said automakers around the world continue to demonstrate the importance of the Detroit show relative to their global launch platforms by committing numerous world debuts.
Manufacturers, to date, that have confirmed worldwide vehicle debuts (some multiple) at NAIAS 2014: Acura, Hyundai, Audi, Kia, Bentley, Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Nissan, Chrysler Group, Subaru, Chevrolet, Toyota, Ford Motor Company, Volkswagen, GMC, Volvo.
Visitors to NAIAS 2014 will be among the first to see the completed construction improvements, and will amaze at the transformation of the former Cobo Arena, now known as the Grand Ballroom. Portions of the dramatic, 40,000 square-foot, glass-enclosed space in-the-round provides floor-to-ceiling views of the Detroit River, the Detroit skyline, and the shoreline of neighboring Windsor, Ontario. The Grand Ballroom, which accommodates up to 3,500 people, also features a hydraulic stage lift, perfect for press conference vehicle reveals, and transporting show cars from the street level below. Additionally, Cobo’s shimmering, new, three-story glass atrium awaits NAIAS ribbon cutting activities, concerts, and other main stage events amid 30,000 square feet of contiguous networking space.
Other improvements, including a TV broadcast studio with satellite link-up capability; giant exterior video walls for event information and advertising; a state-of-the-art Scala way-finding system; and an open air terrace overlooking the river — all part of a $300 million renovation — will be completed in 2015.
