Sixth Annual 2010 NAIAS Automotive Education Day: Youth To Play Crucial Role in Automotive Industry Evolution

DETROIT, Jan. 19, 2010 -- Students will play a crucial role in the continued growth of the automotive industry's future and can start getting direction in those fields when they attend Automotive Education Day presented by State Farm Insurance at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

Southeast Michigan and surrounding area school groups in grades 9-12 and at the college level are invited to attend Automotive Education Day presented by State Farm Insurance at the NAIAS on Jan. 20, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cobo Center in Detroit.

The sixth annual Automotive Education Day will allow students to explore the many different career pathways available in all automotive fields through breakout sessions, lesson plans and one-on-one discussions with various human resources representatives.

  In addition, the 2010 NAIAS Automotive Education Day will also include:

  --  Myles Kovacs as the event's featured speaker. Kovacs is the president
      and co-founder of DUB Magazine. Guy Gordon of WDIV-TV will serve as
      event emcee. Doug Fox, Chairman of the 2010 NAIAS will be on hand to
      greet the students. Don Tersigni, comedian, will be introducing the
      show.
  --  Steve Skindell will be performing street magic throughout the day.
  --  The Pistons drum line, Hooper, Mini Hooper and the Palace Patrol will
      be interacting with the crowd prior to the start of opening remarks.
  --  There will be a scavenger hunt where the grand prize winner will
      receive a Sony Playstation 3.
  --  Ten students arriving early for the opening remarks will receive a
      ticket for themselves and a guest to the sneak preview on Feb. 11 at
      the Palladium in Birmingham for Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The
      Lightening Thief.  Students chosen will also be part of a
      meet-and-greet/autograph signing with the following cast members from
      the film:

Brandon T. Jackson, born and raised in Detroit and featured in Tropic Thunder, 8 Mile, Roll Bounce, and The Day the Earth Stood Still.

Jake Abel, seen in The Lovely Bones, Angel of Death, Strange Wilderness and Flash of Genius.

Logan Lerman has been in Gamer, My One and Only, 3:10 to Yuma, The Number 23, Hoot, and the TV series Jack & Bobby.

Alexandra Daddario has been in the TV series All My Children, The Squid and the Whale, The Attic, and The Babysitters.

  --  The Michael Berry Career Center is bringing its arts students for a
      tour with Aramark's Executive Chef, Jamie Miller, at 10:30 a.m.,
      further proof of the ripple economic effect stimulated by the NAIAS.

"The automotive industry continues to change, and largely for the better, by forcing us all to adapt to a new global landscape," said Doug Fox, 2010 NAIAS Chairman. "Our students are the next thinkers and innovators of this industry to take tomorrow's automotive market into the highly-skilled and technically-savvy realm it demands. Automotive Education Day is designed to stress the importance of a good education and help these future employees find their niche."

Thousands of students from a variety of schools throughout southeast Michigan, surrounding states and across the river in Windsor, Ontario, Canada are expected to attend. The activities get under way promptly at 8:30 a.m. with opening remarks at Cobo Arena.

"The response to Automotive Education Day has always been staggering," said Fox. "It lets us know this industry does have a bright future because the passion of so many students keeps fueling its next steps. Attendees will not only take in the amazing exhibits and stunning production and concept vehicles, but come away from this event with an experience that could help to shape their future."

Tickets for Automotive Education Day are $12 (USD and CAN) per student and include a lunch ticket. One adult chaperone per 10 students is required. Online registration is available at www.naias.com/aed.htm. Contact Lacey Lambert at llambert@dada.com with any questions.

The NAIAS currently runs now through Jan. 24 at Cobo Center, Detroit, Mich.

About the North American International Auto Show

Entering its 22nd year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) hosts more brands, manufacturers and media than any other automotive event in the Western Hemisphere. 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 (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.