Detroit, Mich., Jan. 14, 2012 - The celebration of cars continued today at Cobo Center in Detroit as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) opened with its strongest first day attendance in five years.

"We are absolutely thrilled at today's turnout," said Bill Perkins, chairman, 2012 NAIAS. "The week just keeps getting better and better, and we're so pleased to share all the excitement with so many people and families who joined us for opening day."

Perkins said today's attendance of 92,106 tops last year's number of 86,622 (a 5,484 increase) and the highest opening day number in the last five years of NAIAS.

"The public waited in anticipation this week amid all the news and excitement generated on our world stage," added Perkins. "I've never see so many digital cameras!"

The mood was especially festive inside Cobo Center as the new, main floor Luxury Car Parade pleased onlookers. Led around the inner circle of the show floor by two police motorcycles with flashing lights, vehicles included an Aston Martin, Bentley and Chevrolet Corvette. Several characters from The Parade Company also were featured. The parade will be repeated Sunday, Monday and Tuesday; and Thursday - Sunday, at 3:30 and 7:00 pm.

NAIAS Public Show ticket prices: Adults: $12; Seniors: $6; Children 7-12: $6, 6 and under: free when accompanied by a parent or guardian, for more information on the show, visit naias.com.

NAIAS Sponsors
The NAIAS would like to thank its premier sponsors: Delta Air Lines, DENSO, Johnson Controls, KPMG, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michelin, ZF Group, as well as its official sponsors: AutoTrader.com, ion Television, MSN Autos, Panasonic Automotive, and Schaeffler. Charter One, part of the RBS group, is the Presenting Sponsor of Charity Preview.

About the North American International Auto Show
Entering its 24th year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most - up close and in one place. One of the largest media events in North America, the NAIAS is 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.

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Press Preview - Monday-Tuesday, January 9-10, 2012
Industry Preview - Wednesday-Thursday, January 11-12, 2012
Charity Preview - Friday, January 13, 2012
Public Show - Saturday-Sunday, January 14-22, 2012