DETROIT, Jan. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today wrapped up two weeks of welcoming brand-defining products, emerging mobility technologies, top government officials – including then-Vice President Joe Biden – and leading auto and tech thinkers, in addition to greeting over 800,000 car enthusiasts who came to see the exciting technology-laden products driving the industry's transformation.
The show closed tonight with a strong finish of 98,125 attendees, bringing total ticketed attendance for 2017 NAIAS to 806,554.
"Detroit is the mobility epicenter of the world, and there's no better example of this than what we've seen and experienced at NAIAS over the past 16 days," said 2017 NAIAS Chairman Sam Slaughter. "Visitors to the show were able to experience the full spectrum of the auto industry – from autonomous vehicles and technologies to current production models that will be in dealer showrooms in the near future. It was an incredible showcase for our industry; one that provided a look into the transformation of the world's automotive industry."
NAIAS kicked off 2017 with its inaugural AutoMobili-D, a display of 120 automakers, suppliers and startups from around the world showcasing and discussing future mobility platforms, in addition to 40+ hours of mobility-themed content at symposiums and panel discussions. Waymo CEO John Krafcik opened AutoMobili-D with the world reveal of the autonomous Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Other notable keynotes included Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., and Julia Steyn, GM's Vice President of Urban Mobility and Maven.
"AutoMobili-D was an incredible venue for the entire mobility ecosystem, from newly formed startups to tech suppliers to automakers. It allowed each brand an opportunity to communicate directly with over 5,100 journalists and nearly 40,000 industry decision makers," NAIAS Executive Director Rod Alberts said. "It was as much about connecting businesses as it was about connecting technologies."
Alberts noted that NAIAS and its new AutoMobili-D attracted 5,101 journalists from 61 countries. Attending media saw 46 vehicles make their world debut, seven vehicles make their North American debut and 17 special one-of-a-kind vehicles made their first appearance at an auto show. Included in this mix was world-renowned John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer of Pixar Animation Studios who revealed a life-size, drivable version of the iconic Lightning McQueen as a precursor to the 'Cars 3' movie.
"From the buzz and unveiling of autonomous drive products and mobility technologies at AutoMobili-D to the news generated at Press Preview, there's no denying that the auto industry is being redefined here in the Motor City," Alberts said. "Having all of these companies and their products and technologies being accessible to everyone in one building is something that you don't see elsewhere in the world and sets NAIAS apart from other shows."
Following on the heels of AutoMobili-D and Press Preview, nearly 40,000 auto and tech industry executives, designers, developers and analysts, from 2,274 companies, kept the product buzz and mobility conversation going at Industry Preview. NAIAS is the only auto show in North America with dedicated "industry" days.
Detroit's celebration as the epicenter of all things automotive, including the heart of the automotive industry, kept on motoring at Charity Preview, where nearly $5.2 million was raised for children's charities in Detroit.
As the largest annual single-night fundraiser in the world, Charity Preview has raised more than $111 million in total for southeastern Michigan children's charities, of which more than $53 million was raised in last 12 years alone.
The conversation generated from Preview Week – including the worldwide and North American vehicle debuts, executive keynotes and showcase of future mobility innovations – continued to build momentum as the show rolled into Public Show week drawing big crowds that filled Cobo Center each day.
NAIAS officials report the 2017 show has an estimated economic impact of $450 to the regional economy (per economist David Sowerby from Loomis Sayles & Co.), up $20 million from the previous year. Economists report the impact is equivalent to two nearly Super Bowls every year in Detroit.
"From the hotels to the restaurants to businesses all across the city, having NAIAS in January brings hundreds of thousands of people into Detroit during what would be a slow time of year," added Alberts.
2017 NAIAS Highlights:
The Gallery
AutoMobili-D
Press Preview
Industry Preview
Charity Preview
Total Ticketed Attendance
Economic Impact
About the North American International Auto Show
Now in its 29th year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, technologies, 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. For more information, visit naias.com.
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2017 NAIAS Dates:
The Gallery – Saturday, January 7, 2017
AutoMobili-D – Sunday-Thursday, January 8-12, 2017
Press Preview – Monday-Tuesday, January 9-10, 2017
Industry Preview – Wednesday-Thursday, January 11-12, 2017
Charity Preview – Friday, January 13, 2017
Public Show – Saturday-Sunday, January 14-22, 2017
SOURCE North American International Auto Show
