DETROIT, Aug. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), in partnership with Magna International, today announced that Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Clemson University have joined an ever-growing list of acclaimed and respected universities from across the U.S. and Canada that will showcase their schools' mobility and automotive focuses as part of AutoMobili-D.
"As incubators of ideas and developers of the next generation of talent, universities play a vital role in the developing mobility ecosystem," said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna's Chief Technology Officer. "We look forward to helping form connections and dialogue at NAIAS 2018 between automakers, suppliers and some of the top institutions of higher learning."
For 2018, the University Community has doubled in size compared to 2017 and will feature displays and thought leadership symposiums from universities including:
"The universities that Magna has attracted to AutoMobili-D for 2018 are sought after globally not only for their students, but the innovative concepts and demonstrators they have developed," said Ryan LaFontaine, 2018 NAIAS Chairman.
Magna has increased its focus and resources on innovation in recent years, including close partnerships with start-ups, entrepreneurs and universities based on its open-for-business approach. Through these collaborations Magna gains additional insight into the trends and technology needed to shape the Car of the Future, while the partners get an opportunity to work with a world-class auto supplier and receive feedback on bringing their ideas and inventions to market.
The inaugural launch of AutoMobili-D in 2017 featured more than 180 brands, ranging from automakers, to suppliers, to tech startups as well as universities and government organizations. From John Krafcik debuting the fully autonomous Chrysler Pacifica, to Carlos Ghosn providing insights into Nissan's plans for a connected future, to Julia Steyn on Maven's outlook on urban mobility as a "service," these great industry leaders and many others took the stage and delivered more than 40 hours of mobility-focused announcements and discussions.
The exposition area for AutoMobili-D in 2018 is expanding by 30,000 sq. ft. and will now encompass over 150,000 sq. ft. of dedicated space within the NAIAS. Magna will have a 2,000 sq. ft. exhibit within the University and Association Community and will showcase their deep systems knowledge throughout the vehicle with an interactive experience. They will also have a private hospitality area for customers and guests during the AutoMobili-D show hours.
Along with the expanded floor space in 2018, AutoMobili-D will now extend through the first weekend of Public Show as part of the previously announced Future Automotive Career Exposition (FACE). At FACE, participating AutoMobili-D companies will have the opportunity to interact face-to-face with qualified candidates and fill needed positions across a wide array of disciplines.
Limited exhibit and sponsorship opportunities are still available for AutoMobili-D. Interested companies can visit the NAIAS website for more information and contact details.
About Magna
We are a leading global automotive supplier with 327 manufacturing operations and 100 product development, engineering and sales centres in 29 countries. We have over 161,000 employees focused on delivering superior value to our customers through innovative products and processes, and world class manufacturing. We have complete vehicle engineering and contract manufacturing expertise, as well as product capabilities which include body, chassis, exterior, seating, powertrain, active driver assistance, vision, closure and roof systems and have electronic and software capabilities across many of these areas. Our common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MG) and the New York Stock Exchange (MGA). For further information about Magna, visit our website at www.magna.com.
About the North American International Auto Show
Now in its 30th 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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2018 NAIAS Dates:
The Gallery – Saturday, January 13, 2018
AutoMobili-D – Sunday-Sunday, January 14-21, 2018
Press Preview – Monday-Tuesday, January 14-16, 2018
Industry Preview – Wednesday-Thursday, January 17-18, 2018
Charity Preview – Friday, January 19, 2018
Public Show – Saturday-Sunday, January 20-28, 2018
SOURCE North American International Auto Show