All smiles and digital cameras at opening day of Detroit Auto Show 2012; First day attendance of 92,106 best in five years

The celebration of cars continued at Cobo Center in Detroit as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) opened
with its strongest first day attendance in five years.

"We are absolutely thrilled at today's turnout," said Bill Perkins, Chairman, 2012 NAIAS. "The week just keeps getting better and better, and we're so pleased to share all the excitement with so many people and families who joined us for opening day."

Perkins said today's attendance of 92,106 tops last year's number of 86,622 (a 5,484 increase) and the highest opening day number in the last five years of NAIAS.

"The public waited in anticipation this week amid all the news and excitement generated on our world stage," added Perkins. "I've never see so many digital cameras!"

The mood was especially festive inside Cobo Center as the new, main floor Luxury Car Parade pleased onlookers. Led around the inner circle of the show floor by two police motorcycles with flashing lights, vehicles included an Aston Martin, Bentley and Chevrolet Corvette. Several characters from The Parade Company also were featured. The parade will be repeated Sunday, Monday and Tuesday; and Thursday-Sunday, at 3:30 and 7:00 PM.

Posted in: North American International Auto Show 2012