The Auto Writer

The North American International Auto Show (previously known as the Detroit Auto Show) is one of the leading events of its kind for the auto industry. Held annually in the Motor City, the NAIAS is an important venue for automotive manufacturers to showcase their latest vehicles, roll out concepts and get tons of free publicity thanks to a media contingent numbering nearly 7000 people. More than 800,000 visitors are expected to attend the nine-day event.

This year, I will have the privilege of attending my first NAIAS as the guest of General Motors. Last month, I reported that GM had invited me to this year’s show apparently due to the publicity that this blog generates. Now almost two years old, The Auto Writer has been an important venue for me to showcase my writing capabilities which includes a variety of automotive topics.

Although the public show runs from January 19-27, 2008, for those of us who have press privileges the event will begin one week earlier. I was invited, and accepted, an invitation to GM Style, one of the biggest parties leading up to the auto show. This event will be held next Saturday (January 12th) and precedes three days of media coverage. I’ll be busy Sunday, Monday and Tuesday attending various luncheons, press conferences, dinners and special events then flying home on Wednesday.

I’m still working out how I will do it, but I intend to saturate this blog with as much show news as possible while I am in Detroit and for several days afterward. There are automotive bloggers who have a wider reach (and the staff) to cover the event thoroughly, but I’m looking forward to sharing plenty on The Auto Writer as well. Therefore, when you check out Jalopnik, Autoblog and MSN Autos for their updates, please make sure you stop by here — I promise, you won’t be disappointed!

So, for the next two weeks mostly anything fresh that you read on this blog will be centered on the Detroit show. I may mention 2007 sales figures as they become known, but the event buzz will dominate. Feel free to share your comments and, if you are in the Detroit area, I hope that you are able to get to the show!