News Updates

The 2010 North American International Auto Show in January should experience fewer bumps than this year's event, organizers said Thursday.

A few carmakers recently absent from the annual show could return; Michigan Hall, the basement of Cobo Center, will have an expanded track for environmentally friendly vehicles; and one private party -- created to sell high-end supercars -- will expand, members of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association said.

As a result, show visitors will see more cars during the Jan. 16-23 public days for the same price they paid in 2009: $12.

Tickets for the Charity Preview, held before the show's public opening, will be reduced to $300 a person or $500 for a couple -- an acknowledgement of the down economy and an attempt to boost attendance, which was down this year for the black-tie event by about half. For the past few years, tickets cost $400 each.

Event organizers said Thursday the Teamsters union has agreed to rework contract terms to lower costs for automakers that display vehicles on the show floor. Alhough details of the revised terms are not yet set, lower hourly wages and a reduced number of required workers assigned to jobs are being looked at to curtail costs. NAIAS officials said they are working with other unions in an attempt to reduce their rates, too.

The number of brands will be at least the same as this year, 51, and maybe more, said Rod Alberts, NAIAS executive director.

Additionally, the EcoXperience, the 75,000-square-foot driving track that was in Michigan Hall at this year's show, will be expanded, Alberts said.

The committee overseeing the 2010 show hopes to convince Ferrari to return. And members plan to go to Memphis in coming weeks to try to entice Nissan Motor Co. to show its vehicles, as well.

"We are talking to Ferrari and things look positive," said Doug Fox, senior co-chairman of the NAIAS.

Nissan has not committed to attend the Detroit show, but company representatives will speak with the committee. Ferrari might be coaxed into returning for 2010 because of an exclusive viewing, called the Gallery, afforded to big spenders. The private event is sponsored by American Express and included about 200 people last year, Fox said.

"American Express has asked us to expand the event, and it could double in size," he said. The event in January resulted in the sale of two Maybachs, one Lamborghini and one Fisker, Fox said.

Committee officials have planned exhibit space for Land Rover, as well as newcomers from China and Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.