Auto Show Brings 808,775 Attendees and $400 Million In Economic Impact To Detroit

Detroit was a hot destination last week as 808,775 people descended upon a renovated Cobo Center to see the 2015 North American International Auto Show. Although, it’s during our coldest season, the hot cars and good times brought throngs of people to Detroit. The 2015 show total edges out last year’s by 5,324.

“For two weeks, we’ve seen the confidence and felt the commitment that auto manufacturers have placed in our show, and in our city,” said NAIAS Chairman Scott LaRiche. “They unveiled unbelievable products in dramatic fashion; they built beautiful new, interactive displays; and dozens of amazing digital screens created a sensory extravaganza. And for the last eight days, during the public show, people have smiled from ear-to-ear from the moment they arrived. Now that’s confidence.”

The show continues to play a major role in automakers’ global product launch strategies, showing Detroit is still the epicenter of one of the world’s major industries.

“We continue to work hard to maintain the confidence, trust and partnerships with the global automakers,” said NAIAS Executive Director Rod Alberts. “We support the promise of the original NAIAS organizing committee which, 26 years ago, said: ‘you bring the cars; we’ll bring the media.’ I think it’s safe to say, we kept our promise.”

Here’s some data behind the event:

The Ford GT super car was a super star at the 2015 NAIAS, and drew huge crowds of enthusiastic fans throughout the show. (PRNewsFoto/NAIAS)

Press Preview:

5,025 journalists from 60 countries and 40 U.S. states
55 vehicle introductions: 49 worldwide; six North American
Seven concept cars

Industry Preview:

35,551 people attended from 2,001 companies and 25 countries

Charity Preview:

15,350 people helped raise $5.3 million for children’s charities
More than $100 million raised since 1976 when Charity Preview was established by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association

Studio 25: