Visitor Attendance to 2011 Detroit Auto Show Grew 3%

The 2011 Detroit Auto Show was the best one of the past few years, with just about every large automaker in the world revealing some sort of new product, concept car or design idea. According to final numbers released today by the event’s organizers, it was also attended by more people than in 2010.

Visitors to the 2011 North American International Motor Show totaled some 735,370 people, marking a 3 percent rise over 2010’s result of 714,137 visitors. The single-day record for a Friday was also broken this year, as 75,327 people passed through the convention’s doors, beating the Friday record of 74,900 set in 1993.

"The 2011 NAIAS validated all promises made by exhibitors in 2009 and 2010 as the product pipeline is full and vibrant. The ability to rise up from the difficult economic times of the recent past in glowing fashion indicates a positive ripple effect for our local, national and global economies,” Barron Meade, Chairman of the 2011 show, said in a statement.

At least 5,000 international media from 60 countries (including the autoevolution team) covered the auto show during the press days. A total of 55 new products were unveiled, including the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, two Honda Civic Concepts and the Ford Focus EV. This year also saw Porsche returning to Detroit, while Nissan announced it will return in 2012.

"NAIAS is again proud to kick off a new year by providing a global stage for so many to be spotlighted," Meade also stated.

Southeast Michigan is estimated to have received a $350 million to $375 million boost to its economy from visitors, in the form of hotels, transportation, catering and entertainment.