2004 North American International Auto Show to Open in 75 Days

DETROIT, Oct. 21, 2003 -- In just 75 days, the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), one of the world's most renowned automotive events, will open to the press on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2004 in Cobo Center. The event will showcase world-class exhibits and press conferences from more than 60 auto manufacturers.

"2004 is a very big year for the auto industry," said Chuck Fortinberry, senior co-chairman of the NAIAS 2004. "Auto companies have already announced plans to introduce numerous new vehicles to their product line-ups. We expect this year's roster of press conferences to be jam-packed with news and key product and concept vehicle unveilings."

NAIAS 2003 featured more than 60 vehicle introductions and exhibit space reached one million square feet. More than 6,700 media from around the globe attended Press Days; in excess of 27,000 industry employees and supporters from 2,000 international and domestic companies attended Industry Preview Days and more than 800,000 people attended during Public Days. The 2003 Charity Preview black-tie fundraiser raised $6.125 million for Detroit-area local children's charities and hosted a sold-out crowd of 17,500 attendees.

"For 15 years the NAIAS has enjoyed the distinction of being the first international auto show of the year," said co-chairman, Bill Cook. "Now, as one of the top five shows in the world, the international press and the global auto manufacturers continue to enthusiastically support the NAIAS as a key venue for the most exciting worldwide and North American vehicle introductions."

John Bailey & Associates, Inc. (JB&A) Public Relations, headquartered in Troy, Mich., and NAIAS agency-of-record, will provide public relations and media relations support to local, national and international media covering the NAIAS. Contact JB&A by calling 248-362-4200. All general media inquiries can be directed to naias-media@baileypr.com .

Carlson Marketing Group (CMG) is the official travel management partner of the NAIAS. Enrollment letters for hotel room reservations have been mailed. Due to the high demand for hotel rooms during the NAIAS, reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Credit card information will be required to place a reservation. For more information, please visit www.naias.com .

Due to new U.S. State Department regulations, overseas attendees may be required to apply for a visa in person. This can be done at the closest U.S. embassy or consulate. Since the time it takes to obtain a visa is unpredictable, overseas attendees should begin the application process immediately after travel plans are finalized. For more details and to see if you are required to have a visa, contact the local U.S. embassy or consulate in your city, or log on to http://travel.state.gov/visa_services.html .

NAIAS 2004 Official Dates

Cobo Center in Detroit will host the NAIAS 2004 starting on Sunday, Jan. 4 with the first of three official Press Days that run through Tuesday, Jan. 6. NAIAS Industry Preview Days will be held Wednesday, Jan. 7 and Thursday, Jan. 8. The Charity Preview will be Friday evening, Jan. 9. The 2004 show will open to the public on Saturday, Jan. 10, and run through Monday, Jan. 19, 2004 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day).

About the North American International Auto Show

In January 2003, Detroit concluded its 87th Auto Show, its 15th consecutive year as the expanded North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Now entering its 16th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is considered 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 (OICA), 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 .