DETROIT, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- As the close of the final weekend of the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) draws near, show organizers are encouraging attendees to show up early, wear comfortable shoes and be ready to experience the show's celebrity appearances, interactive attractions and giveaways. Detroit Piston Richard "Rip" Hamilton will appear TODAY from 2-4 p.m. and Sunday the Shock's Katie Feenstra will be signing autographs from 2-4 p.m.; both will take place in Michigan Hall.
"NAIAS exhibits are amazing this year and feature so many interactive attractions, video games, and prize giveaways that everyone can enjoy," said Carl Galeana, senior co-chairman of the NAIAS 2008. "Plus, if you plan accordingly, you could get here in time to get an autograph by Richard Hamilton and Katie Feenstra when they make their appearance in Michigan Hall."
Public Days for NAIAS 2008 runs today, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is no admittance one hour prior to the show closing.
Ticket prices for Public Days are $12 (USD) for adults; $6 for senior citizens (65 and older) and children aged 7-12 (must be purchased on-site). Children five and under are free with their parent. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult over 21 anytime after 6 p.m.
To help alleviate the long lines at on-site booths, eTickets are available for convenient, online purchase at www.naias.com. Orders for eTickets provide a voucher to be redeemed for show tickets at the eTicket window, located at the Oakland entrance of Cobo Center. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling (248) 645-6666.
Click and Park is an online parking system that allows show attendees the convenience of purchasing a parking space in select lots near the NAIAS up to 24 hours prior to attending. Parking spaces can be purchased through www.ClickandPark.com.
Shuttle services to Cobo Center from The Henry Ford in Dearborn and the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak are available Jan. 26 and 27. Parking is $5 at these locations and visitors can then take a shuttle for $5 per person round-trip directly to Cobo Center; children 12 and under travel free. For maps and more information on parking and shuttle services, visit www.naias.com.
Amidst the excitement of the NAIAS 2008, the safety of attendees is taken seriously. All guests carrying purses, bags and jackets will be asked to open them to scan for any restricted items. Metal detectors and police dogs also will have a presence. Coat check is available for $3 per item.
The following is a list of interactive and unique activities at the NAIAS 2008:
Main Floor:
Ford:
-- Ford VJ: Attendees interact with VJ host by asking questions and the
responses are then posted on large plasma screens.
-- PlayStation 2 Off-Road Interactive Driving Simulator
-- Escape Hybrid: Interactive display posts facts about Hybrid features
-- Ford F-150 cut-in half displaying all internal components and safety
features
Mitsubishi:
-- "Experience Super All Wheel Control" Interactive driving simulator.
Attendees sit in a simulator that reacts to the different conditions
displayed on the screen.
Jeep:
-- Water cascades down to form Jeep logo and other designs
-- Wrangler exhibit has a rock/waterfall display
-- Nintendo Wii systems built into display, attendees can compete with
other individuals
-- Climbing wall
GM:
-- 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 chassis
-- Hummer: Large display featuring apparel and aftermarket accessories
-- Cadillac, GMC and Saab all have color/trim displays that allow
attendees to touch/feel all available options for models
Toyota:
-- Hybrid Synergy Drive Interactive display
-- Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV) display features half of a vehicle
that illustrates how the technology works
-- Remember your trip to the NAIAS 2008 with a keepsake photo (limit two
photos per guest)
-- 2009 Matrix Bluetooth display explains how the wireless technology
works as well as displaying the color options on iPods
SMART:
-- A "skeleton" of the model displays safety features and framework
MINI:
-- Live DJ spins or playshouse/dance music during all public days
-- Display allows attendees to design their own unique roof
-- Apparel and Accessories display
-- Interactive display allows attendees to design their own MINI
Scion:
-- Large three-level display with TV screens that reveal different
models, each with unique aftermarket accessories
Subaru:
-- Display features a vehicle cut into three parts:
* Normal side
* Chassis
* "Skeleton" showing safety features
Michigan Hall:
DENSO:
-- "Creating Safer Automotive Society" interactive display features
gaze-detection technology
State Farm Insurance:
-- State Farm Driving Experience simulator
-- Driving challenge video games
Sirius:
-- Large display features head units/accessories for all major automotive
manufacturers
DUB:
-- Midnight Club Los Angeles video game
-- Apparel display
-- Custom vehicles
Sprint:
-- Sprint interactive racing simulator
XM:
-- Large display features head units/accessories for all major automotive
manufacturers
Cobo Food Court
AutoTrader.com:
-- Match-It! Live game show is for all NAIAS attendees. The game show
will test your knowledge about cars, movies and TV trivia
-- Stop by and sign up for a chance to win $25,000 towards a new or
used car
-- Test your concentration skills by playing the Autotrader.com
interactive games
U.S. Army:
-- Rock climbing wall
-- Xbox Guitar Hero video game allows attendees to compete against
each other
NAIAS 2008 Official Dates
Public Days run through Saturday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early access to the show is available for the disabled at 8 a.m. via the Oakland entrance. There is no entry to the show floor after 9 p.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. on Sunday.
The North American International Auto Show
Rod Alberts -- Executive Director
Entering its 20th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world and is 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. The NAIAS Web site can be accessed at www.naias.com. Don't Miss It for the World!
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