DETROIT, June 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has renewed its contract with MSN Autos (http://autos.msn.com/ ) through 2006, which will continue its role as the exclusive online consumer Web site of the NAIAS. MSN Autos provides a virtual backstage pass to the show, offering views of the hottest cars, SUVs and trucks immediately after their unveilings, days before the show opens to the general public. MSN Autos has been the Official Consumer Web Site of the NAIAS since 1997.
"MSN Autos is a core NAIAS partner," said Bill Cook, senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2005. "Our collaboration has been instrumental in bringing a global audience to our exhibitors by featuring in-depth coverage of the vehicles and technologies they unveil at our show."
From January to February 2004, the NAIAS portion of MSN Autos experienced 137 million page views from 9.4 million unique visitors, and more than 2 million viewings of streaming videos.
As one of the largest editorial programs produced by MSN, the NAIAS coverage requires a staff of writers, editors, photographers, camera crews, video editors and software developers. As the exclusive consumer Web Site for the NAIAS, MSN Autos brings the excitement of the nation's top auto show to life with gigabytes of rich media, high-quality and timely reportage, and exclusive 360-degree views inside one-of-a-kind concept cars.
"We are very enthusiastic about continuing our work with the NAIAS," said Perry Stern, editor of MSN Autos. "Already we have plans in the works to bring the excitement of the incredible vehicle debuts featured at the NAIAS to the world via the Web, with a goal of increasing the number of visitors to the NAIAS by a factor of 10. We will continue to provide consumers with exclusive access to new production model launches and concept cars during the NAIAS, along with independent auto reviews, surround and streaming videos, interviews, and photography from the show floor."
About MSN Autos
Launched in October 1995, MSN Autos is the world's largest network of automotive buying and ownership services, visited by more than 14 million consumers each month. From product reviews and surround video features to new- and used-car pricing, MSN Autos helps consumers find the car they love, at a price they can afford. With details on more than 10,000 vehicle makes and models, visitors can research and compare, identify local dealers, and receive instructions for post-purchase service and maintenance. MSN Autos has a network of more than 19,000 affiliated dealers nationwide.
NAIAS 2005 Dates
Press Preview Days will be held Sunday, Jan. 9, through Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005. Industry Preview Days will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 12 and Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005. The Charity Preview will be held Friday evening, Jan. 14, 2005. The public is encouraged to call 888-838-7500 to be placed on a wait list for tickets to the 2005 Charity Preview. Public Days are Saturday, Jan. 15, through Sunday, Jan. 23, 2005.
About the North American International Auto Show
Entering its 17th 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 the 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 http://www.naias.com/ .
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040114/NAIASLOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com