The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is Michigan’s biggest and arguably most important annual event. And while it’ll be hard to beat last year’s show—which saw the unveiling of both the new Cobo Center and the new Ford F-150 truck, and brought in 800,000 members of the public— this year has some exciting things in store, too.
New this year will be a partnership with LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington. Three of the museum’s classic cars will be driven cross-country to Detroit, arriving during the auto show’s press days. A press conference is slated for their arrival.
A partnership with CNET, a leading technology publication, will mean live streaming press conferences and tech awards from the publication.
Max Muncey, the show’s public relations manager, says the show’s organizers will expand its social media presence, especially on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to give visitors more of a behind-the-scenes look into the show and the industry.
Of course, there are always new cars at the show, and Muncey says this year will have about 50, of which 90 percent will be global reveals.
And, finally, Cobo itself will have a chance to show off, with its new 6,000-square-foot screen on the building’s façade. Exhibiting automakers and other suppliers can rent the space during the show.
“It adds a great aesthetic to the show,” Muncey says. “We’ve really been pleased.”
