DETROIT – The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has named to its team former director of the Frankfurt International Motor Show, Dr. Kunibert Schmidt. The announcement, which is effective immediately, was made by Rod Alberts, executive director, NAIAS. Alberts said Schmidt will bring years of valuable, international auto show experience to NAIAS.
 
"Kunibert Schmidt is a highly creative, and respected individual, and one of the true all-stars in the business of international motor shows," said Alberts. "Under his direction, the Frankfurt show became one of the largest and most important in the world. As a result, in one way or another, we’ve all learned from the Frankfurt show."
 
After 32 years with the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), which presents the Frankfurt show biennially, Schmidt retired in early 2010 as managing director. He also served as a member of the VDA Management Board for 19 years. He joins the NAIAS as an industry consultant, and is responsible for representing the Detroit show to manufacturers, media, suppliers and other important audiences in Europe.
 
Schmidt, who is based in Berlin, has and continues to be a consultant to global Tier One automotive supplier Schaeffler.
 
Former German Transport Minister and current VDA President Matthias Wissmann said Schmidt has earned an impeccable reputation in the automotive industry.
 
"Dr. Schmidt is an individual who is highly regarded and respected around the world by auto manufacturers and suppliers, as well as the automotive press," said Wissmann. "These are the very people who are critical to the success of motor shows here and abroad. His addition to the Detroit team will also come as good news to German manufacturers, which continue to look to the North American International Auto Show for critical worldwide product introductions."