MIDLAND, Mich. – The Northwood University International Auto Show (NUIAS) features more than 450 new domestic and imported cars, trucks, vans, experimental, specialty, recreational vehicles and various exciting automotive aftermarket products.
The theme for the largest outdoor new car auto show is “Reinventing the Wheel: Welcome to the Next Automotive Era.” NUIAS General Chair Jacob "Jake" Wedge, commented, “Our theme for 2009 ‘Reinventing the Wheel’ focuses on the increasing consumer demands of the evolving market. The 46th Annual NUIAS will showcase vehicles that operate in harmony with nature, while providing the consumer with a new level of quality. Join the students of Northwood University in welcoming the Next Automotive Era.”
With 55,000 guests annually, the NUIAS is an event for the entire family. Throughout the three-day event, show attendees indulge themselves in the vehicles of the future as well as reminisce with the vehicles of yesterday. The event, including a Classic Car Show on Sunday, is well-planned and executed solely by Northwood students. The Auto Show will be held the weekend of Oct. 2-4 on the Michigan campus of Northwood University located at 4000 Whiting Drive in Midland.
The show begins on Friday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m. in Griswold Lecture Hall with a VIP panel that consists of John Washbish, vice president, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance; Peter Brown, vice president/associate publisher, Automotive News Group; Ryan LaFontaine, general manager, LaFontaine Automotive Group; and Anthony Pratt, senior analyst, PricewaterhouseCoopers AUTOFACTS Team. Panelists will be speaking on current market topics and how these influence their aspect of the automotive business. The public is welcome to attend this panel discussion.
Opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting will be held on the Church Family Administration Building steps on Friday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. and will be featuring Bob Lutz, vice chairman, marketing and communications, General Motors Co. This event is also open to the public.
The 46th annual NUIAS will be featuring several “must see” vehicles. Chevrolet will be displaying a 2009 and 1962 ZR1 Corvette and the Asian division a 2010 Audi R8 V10. The National Guard is featuring their IRL show car as well as their NASCAR show car.
Many exhibits will line the Mall Walk and offer a variety of food, information and entertainment. The Auto Show and parking are free and open to the public. Show hours are Friday, Oct. 2 from 1 to 6 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information and schedule of events, visit our website at www.northwood.edu/autoshow/ or call 989.837.4823 or 989.837.4423.
