Metro Detroit’s unofficially recognized Prom Night has always been the Charity Preview at the North American International Auto Show.
2014’s ornamented event raised more than its goal of $4.5 million for children’s charities; ticket prices were up $50 from last year to $350, $340 of which is tax deductible.
This year’s auto show also hosted multiple crowned prom kings and queens. The first was the residents of the metropolitan area themselves, who not only assist in the engineering of our nationwide motion but also traipsed through the cold weather and navigated complex parking to accompany visitors from around the globe in our celebratory affair. Undoubtedly the runners up would be a blend of the fruit of our labors with both Detroit Muscle and Motown Class.
The 2015 Ford Mustang that co-stars in the upcoming DreamWorks movie “Need For Speed” joins a lineage of over 3,000 cinematic appearances of the Mustang. Next up is Chevrolet’s own movie star, the much requested 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, based on the model from the “Transformers” series.
The #1 selling automobile in North America, the Ford F-150 also dressed its best, spotted in a silver tuxedo from last year’s concept truck, the Ford Atlas. Fans of the F-150 will be able to sport greater gas mileage as the vehicle has now upgraded to a sporty aluminum coat and tie while still holding strength in a powerhouse physique and excellent ergonomics.
If there is one thing that the Charity Preview attendees were “oohing” and “ahhing” about, it’s the fact that the future is arriving.
Majority shareholders of both domestic and international auto companies are tasked to inquire about solar energy as opposed to just a marriage with chargeable battery power and gasoline powered vehicles: Detroit’s own C-Max Solar Energi concept car is light years ahead from the age old image of photovoltaic cells being slapped onto a race car and finally brings the dream closer to consumer tangible.
The auto show was so successful this year with celebrity appearances that not only singer Sheryl Crow decided to show but also Vice President Joe Biden as well during the Industry Preview and was given a tour of what the Detroit Three had to offer, walking and talking with Ford Motor Company Chairman Bill Ford, Chrysler’s Sergio Marchionne and newly minted GM CEO Mary Barra.
Those who missed the industry and charity previews don’t have to wait to see the luminary pride of metro-Detroit as the auto show is officially open to the public through Jan. 26. Tickets are $13 for adults, $7 for senior citizens and children between 7-12 years old; and free for children 6 and under.
For more information, visit naias.com.
