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Grand Rapids New Car Dealers Association Presents
12th Annual Michigan International Auto Show
February 4-7, 2010 at DeVos Place

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich – It’s time once again for the Michigan International Auto Show, which rolls into DeVos Place, February 4-7, 2010 for its 12th annual showing. Presented by the Grand Rapids New Car Dealers Association (GRNCDA) and produced by ShowSpan Inc., it has become the most highly attended annual event in Grand Rapids.

“We’re gearing up for another great show, highlighting the latest makes and models,” says show producer Henri Boucher. “Industry leaders recognize that auto shows are the most effective and efficient way to expose customers to their new releases and we’re expecting another impressive line-up of vehicles here in Grand Rapids.”

Nearly 40 car manufacturers from around the world will be in attendance at the Michigan International Auto Show, where more than 300 new vehicles – including sedans, vans, SUVs, trucks, hybrids and sports cars – will be showcased with factory representatives on hand to answer questions. Pre-production and concept vehicles are also part of the annual line-up.

“Once again, attendees will get an up close look at the latest and greatest new vehicles – in a range of prices and styles – from the ‘Big Three’ as well as manufacturers such as BMW, Mazda, Porsche, Audi, Honda, Jeep, Lincoln and others,” says Terry Burns, GRNCDA Executive Director. “We have always prided ourselves on providing the general public with the best opportunity to shop hundreds of makes and models side-by-side, under one roof, in a relaxed setting. This year will be no exception.”
 
Special features of the show include the return of the “Million Dollar Motorway” as well as a MasterCraft VR Express Visual Simulator, The “Dragon Slayer” 1933 Willys from Bar’s Leaks and Rescue 1 Fire Safety For Kids, two Supercars – including a 2010 Berger SS Camaro and Shelby Mustang, and a display of vintage vehicles from the Gilmore Car Museum from Hickory Corners – including Dale Earnhardt Jr’s #8 Race Car and Nicholas Cage’s Ferrari. Guests can also expect to find the Micro-Reality Race Cars and Cogs The Robot returning to the Auto Show.
 
“We have become a tradition for those looking for their next new car,” says John Leese, President of GRNCDA. “Here, attendees have the chance to actually get inside the cars to see how they feel, check out the options and really find the perfect fit for them. Other shows don’t provide that opportunity, which really sets us apart.”

The Auto Show once again kicks off with Charity Gala Preview on Wednesday, February 3 from 6:30-10pm. Sponsored by Citadel Radio and hosted by the Grand Rapids Press, the evening is also broadcast live from 7-8pm on WOOD TV8 and WOTV4. The evening includes a silent auction, car raffle for a 2010 Chevy Camaro, Michigan wine tasting and mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres prepared by the culinary staff at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel – Michigan’s only five-diamond restaurant. Proceeds for the $150 per person, black-tie optional, event benefits the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation. Nearly 2000 guests are expected to attend, making it the largest annual Gala event in Grand Rapids. Tickets for this celebratory night may be purchased online at www.spectrum-health.org/AutoShowGala or by calling 616-391-9125.

The 12th Annual Michigan International Auto Show is presented by the Grand Rapids New Car Dealers Association and is one of 16 consumer expositions produced by ShowSpan Inc., Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1945, ShowSpan – a John D. Loeks Company – has grown to be one of the largest producers of consumer shows in the Midwest.