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Detroit 2015: The numbers are in

DETROIT, Michigan - The numbers are in. And, as expected, global automakers brought their A-game to the 2015 North American International Auto Show (Naias), show organisers have reported.

And, when the spotlights dimmed, organisers counted 55 vehicle introductions, mostly worldwide, in front of 5025 journalists from 60 countries around the world including first-timers from Cambodia, Montenegro and Guinea.

'NUMBERS VERY STRONG'

Naias chairman Scott LaRiche attributeD the horsepower-induced mood of the show floors over the two-days of media preview to 49 worldwide, and six North American, vehicle introductions, nine of which were concept cars.

"Our numbers are very strong," said LaRiche. "Of the 55 vehicle introductions at the show, 94% are global reveals. This is a spectacular credential for an international show. Global auto manufacturers continue to show confidence in this city- just recoverring from bankruptcy - and in this show, and clearly saved their best for Naias." 

Journalists were treated to elaborate vehicle unveilings surrounded by dozens of floor-to-ceiling digital walls with music that raised the roof at the transformed Cobo Centre. There were trucks, supercars, hybrids, plug-ins and driverless reveals that captured the attention of the connected media on digital cameras, personal mobile devices, Google Glasses, tablets, GoPros, photo cards and even a roll of film or two for the historians.

There was even a car "built" at the show via 3-D printing.


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An enthused LaRiche said the new vehicle introductions covered the ambit of the world automotive showroom. From the Ford GT Supercar, a modern interpretation of the iconic GT40; to the 320km range Chevrolet Bolt; to the game-changing Nissan Titan XD trucks – global auto makers revealed their finest in the centre of the automotive universe.


The grand 3716sq m Michelin Media Centre had connected seating for 1100 journalists. Scribes consumed 4400 bottles of water, 800 bottles of fruit juice; 4000 sandwiches; 1200 bags of salty snacks; cleaned their handhelds, camera lenses and computer monitors with 6000 screen towels.

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