(May 18, 2016) DETROIT — The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced Tuesday that Chinese automaker GAC Group will exhibit on the main show floor at the 2017 auto show. GAC Group returns to Detroit after it participated at the 2015 NAIAS where the company unveiled its GS4 SUV in front of thousands of international journalists.

“GAC Group’s return to NAIAS is very exciting for our show as it underscores the significant coverage and impact automakers receive in markets across the globe when unveiling products at our show,” said Sam Slaughter, 2017 NAIAS Chairman.

The NAIAS team has been in discussion with GAC Group for the past year on their participation at the upcoming NAIAS, and while attending the 2016 Beijing Motor Show, NAIAS Executive Director, Rod Alberts met with Zeng Qinghong, vice chairman president, GAC Group. Alberts took the time to review the NAIAS media metrics report with the GAC Group executives that is compiled for the auto show by PRIME Research.

As one of the top auto shows globally, NAIAS garners as much international media coverage as the other top three domestic shows combined. The global coverage GAC Motor received at the 2015 NAIAS was one of the key factors the automaker referenced in its interest to coming back to Detroit.

“GAC Motor’s market share in China increased following the world debut of the GS4 two years ago and was a direct result of the international coverage we received,” said Zeng Qinghong. “As we look to establish ourselves as a global brand we are optimistic we can gain more momentum following the announcements we will make this coming January in Detroit.”


GS4 sport utility from GAC Group

In addition to interacting with media, GAC Group expressed great interest in connecting with other leading automakers as well as suppliers that attend NAIAS. This past January, NAIAS set an attendance record for Industry Preview as nearly 40,000 executives, engineers, designers and analysts walked the show floor.

The news of GAC Group’s presence at NAIAS comes on the heels of a very strong 2016 show. NAIAS Executive Director Rod Alberts reported 5,068 journalists from 60 countries attended the two-day Press Preview that has become synonymous with attracting the world’s top automotive leaders. Attending media saw 61 vehicle introductions with nearly 90 percent of them being worldwide reveals.

Just a month ago, NAIAS announced the launch of AutoMobili-D, a dedicated exposition focused on the rapidly evolving global automotive and mobility landscape. AutoMobili-D will feature more than 100 companies, including automakers, tier one suppliers and tech startups, within 120,000 sq. ft. of dynamic display communities in the Cobo Center Atrium overlooking the international waterway and the adjoining Hall E.