For 100 years now, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association has partnered with organizers of the North American International Auto Show to showcase the best automobiles, products and related services in the heart of the Motor City. Though it has only been a truly international event for the last 19 years, the impact and appeal of the show both locally and around the world cannot be denied. The show brings nearly $600 million into the state's economy annually -- including an estimated $100 million for the City of Detroit -- while serving as a launch pad for the latest and greatest automotive concepts and innovations from all of the world's top automakers.

New This Year: The show's centennial year will not pass without highlights: General Motors will be offering a first look at the new 2008 Chevy Malibu, while Chinese automaker Changfeng has confirmed plans to display four vehicles for the first time outside of the People's Republic. Changfeng's cars will be displayed in Detroit under the Liebao brand name.

The Show: With annual attendance approaching a million, pumping an astounding $500 million into the economy of southeast Michigan, calling the 2006 North American International Auto Show both ambitious and vital would be an understatement. With 700 vehicles on display across more than 700,000 square feet of space inside of Detroit's Cobo Exhibition and Conference Center, the show annually brings in more than 6,800 journalists from the United States and dozens of countries around the planet. And they've all come to the world's motor capital for one thing -- a look at the latest and greatest offerings from all the leading manufacturers and suppliers of automobiles, parts and accessories.

The History: From its first auto show in 1907, the event ranks in the top three of economically impacting events in America. As a result, the NAIAS reputation is colossal. Not only does it add more than $500 million annually to the region's economy, it generates another $1 million for Detroit. In addition, the NAIAS hosts annually one of the largest fund-raising efforts worldwide.

The Extras: The NAIAS Charity Preview is probably the biggest social event of the deal -- all black-tie and swanky -- right on the river inside COBO downtown Detroit. Yearly, more than 17,000 attend this bash, which raises millions of dollars. The money goes to children's charities throughout the world. It's Motor City and a huge display of engines, chrome and wheels, with a net that casts locally and globally.

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