The Academy Awards of auto shows taking centre stage with glitzy displays, innovative inventions and never-seen-before vehicles.
The North American International Auto Show kicked off Monday with the press preview at the Cobo Center in Detroit. Over 5,000 journalists from 60 different countries are scheduled to attend.
The press preview features over 40 media events with industry leaders and about 40 to 50 global and North American product launches will be revealed.
"Consumer confidence is high, production numbers and automotive sales continue to climb, and the global industry is stronger than it's been in years,” says Scott LaRiche, chairman, NAIAS 2015. “Our manufacturer partners have committed to bring their most important, global vehicle reveals to Detroit."
Now in its 27th year as an international event, the show provides unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most - up close and in one spot.
The NAIAS is like five shows in one place - the gallery, press preview, charity preview, public show and industry preview.
"The Detroit show is a reflection of the health and excitement of the global industry," says LaRiche. "It's all part of a positive new energy and exciting new vibe that's prevalent in the city and in our industry."
NAIAS is consistently ranked along with other top shows in the world including Geneva, Frankfurt, Paris, Tokyo, Beijing and Shanghai.
"It helps that we attract more industry CEOs and the largest media audience in North America," he said. "The public show draws over 800,000 people from all over the U.S. and Canada."
The public show runs Jan.17 - Jan.25.
What’s new this year
The first ever technology showcase is designed to explore the integration of automotive and high-tech advancements in vehicles. It runs Monday through Thursday (Jan. 12-15).
It provides a glimpse of manufacturing's future with the world's first full-size, working 3D-printed car, the Strati. Attendees can ride in the made-from-scratch automobile on the Shell Innovation Track at the showcase.
The Cobo Center underwent a $300 million renovation to ensure the city has a world class facility suitable for a world class show. It features a three-story, glass-enclosed riverfront atrium and a grand riverview ballroom.
New carpeting, lighting and additional gathering spaces in the concourse have been added to the venue.
A new outdoor digital screen at the corner of Washington and Congress provides the outside world an inside view of the show.