North American International Auto Show 2000 Heads for the Record Books
24 January 2000
North American International Auto Show 2000 Heads for the Record BooksDETROIT, Jan. 23 -- "The big challenge now," said Russ Shelton, senior co-chairman of the North American International Auto Show 2000 (NAIAS), "Is what do we do to top this show in 2001? "And believe it or not," Shelton added, "planning is already well underway." The celebration of cars ended tonight after a successful 15-day run, which began with press preview days January 9 at Detroit's Cobo Center. Here are some highlights of NAIAS 2000: -- Total attendance for public show: 802,301 (last record set in 1998 with 791,311. Total attendance for 1999: 791,311). It should be noted that the 2000 show was open one less day than previous years (9 instead of 10) because the show started later this year. -- Total vehicle introductions: 59 (36 worldwide, 23 North American; 33 concept, 26 production). -- Total raised at Charity Preview: $5,250,000 (last record set in 1999 with $4.3 million). -- Total companies (international and domestic) participating in Supplier Preview Days: 1,174 from 16 countries. -- More than 7,000 credentialed media representing 63 countries and six continents attended press preview days. "We're pleased at the record breaking attendance, especially because this year the public had nine days to see the show, as opposed to ten in past years," Shelton said. "In 1998, when the previous record was set, we had 45 degree temperatures and an extra day, which gave people another opportunity to see the show. "This year, despite the cold weather and dustings of snow, it was great to see that the people of Southeastern Michigan, and the entire region, supported the automotive industry like they did," added Shelton. Two major auto show announcements yet to come: total economic impact of the 2000 NAIAS and dates for the 2001 NAIAS; both will be announced in February.