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PRESS RELEASE

Jan 8, 2004  19:06 ET
 

North American International Auto Show Announces Opening Weekend Entertainment Lineup 

DETROIT, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- As the opening weekend of the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) approaches, families planning to attend can rev up for an opportunity to experience a variety of fun activities, sites and entertainment.

The Cobo Arena Food Court, located in Wayne Hall off the main concourse, will feature live performances and an array of menu items. Auto spectators can indulge their taste buds with Philly cheese steak sandwiches, Chicago- style hot dogs, quesadillas, Caesar salads, submarine sandwiches, Little Caesars(R) Pizza, cotton candy, popcorn and premium ice cream. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages also are available for purchase.

The following is a schedule of events inside Cobo Arena:

* Greektown Casino will feature local entertainment daily during Public Days. Live music will include classic rock, jazz, Motown review, pop, adult contemporary, '70s and Top 40.

* The U. S. Army will feature a climbing wall, free to the public.

* Numerous radio stations will be hosting live broadcasts throughout Cobo Center.

* Pocono Marketing International will be selling exotic, classic and antique Die-cast cars ranging from $6.00 to $60.00.

* Visitors Village booth, sponsored by Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, will be distributing coupons to area venues and informational materials about the city.

Inside Cobo Center's exhibit space, featuring more than 50 exhibits and more than 700 production and concept vehicles, the NAIAS has something for everyone to enjoy.

* Austin Powers star Verne Troyer, also known as "Mini-Me" will be greeting guests and signing autographs at the DUB(R) Magazine display in Michigan Hall.

* An expanded display area in Michigan Hall will feature a specialty vehicle exhibit including "Mini-Me's" 2004 Chrysler Crossfire, NBA Star Shaquille O'Neal's 2003 Cadillac Escalade, OutKast Hip Hop artist "Big Boi's" 2004 HUMMER H2, the Honda SUT concept vehicle, Subaru B9SC and R1e concepts, VW's Concept T four-wheel sports coupe, Hyundai's HCD8 sports tourer and ASC's SOCAL edition of the Chevy SSR.

* Mini Cooper will feature interactive activities that demonstrate the agility, safety and customization of their vehicles. Activities will include a pinball machine, racing simulation game, and a photo postcard of participants inside their custom-made Mini Cooper, also displayed on the big screen.

* Volkswagen will be giving out collectible plastic-injected molds of the Beetle convertible at their booth in Michigan Hall. Other activities include a laser light game and an interactive Touareg game with a chance to win a VW lanyard.

* Dodge will take NASCAR enthusiasts for a ride around the track in their 12 to 15 person simulator. Guests will also have the opportunity to get their picture taken on the Dodge Tomahawk Motorcycle Concept.

* Michelin hosts the first Chinese designed and built vehicle at NAIAS displayed in Michigan Hall.

* Winning poster designs from the NAIAS annual poster contest, created by high school students around Michigan will be featured in Michigan Hall.

Public Days for the NAIAS are Saturday, Jan. 10 through Monday, Jan. 19. Show hours are 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. from Jan. 10 through 18 and 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day). No admittance one hour prior to show closing.

Tickets prices are as follows: Adult: $12 (Canadian $16) Senior Citizen (65 and older): $6 (Canadian $8) Children under 12 (must be accompanied by an adult): free 

In addition to the on-site ticket window at Cobo, E-Tickets are also available by logging on to http://www.naias.com/ . E-Ticket orders will provide a voucher to be redeemed for show tickets at the E-Ticket window at Cobo. Each order must be picked up in its entirety. Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster outlets. For locations near you, log onto http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or call (248) 645-6666.

About the North American International Auto Show

In January 2003, Detroit concluded its 87th Auto Show, representing the 15th consecutive year as the expanded North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). 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, 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/ . 

North American International Auto Show

Web site: http://www.naias.com/

Source: PRNewswire -- Jan. 8, 2004