DETROIT, MI – The 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (organizers of the Beijing International Automobile Exhibition) will hold the first-ever Chinese Global Automotive Forum in Detroit.

The forum, themed "Synergy will propel the auto industry into prosperity," will feature an open dialogue on the present and future of the automotive industry in China and its relationship to the worldwide marketplace. The event will feature Sino-U.S. global automotive experts, and guest speakers representing original equipment manufacturers, suppliers, media and other industry experts, and will be held at the Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel on Sun., Jan. 13.

The announcement was made by NAIAS Executive Director Rod Alberts, who said the Detroit and Beijing shows enjoy friendly, and mutually productive working relationships.

"We have strategic relationships with industry groups and auto shows around the world, and are pleased to support the China Council and its forum here in Detroit," said Alberts. "Chinese auto manufacturers have shown growing interest in the NAIAS, and our world stage. Our relationship with the China Council allows us to share data and resources with the goal of enhancing our respective events."

Alberts added that the Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. is an NAIAS 2013 exhibitor, and is expected to make a major product announcement at its press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 15.

Forum presenters confirmed to date, include:
• David Cole, Chairman Emeritus, Center for Automotive Research & Chairman of Auto Harvest.
• Huang Xiangdong, Deputy GM of GAC & Chairman of GAC Research Institute.
• Paul Ingrassia, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Thomson Reuters.
• John Pratt, Managing Director, Head of Global Diversified Industries, Merrill Lynch.
• Joseph Vitale, Global Automotive Sector leader with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

"We have been holding the Chinese Automotive Forum in Beijing for the past three years," said Jenny Hao, deputy director, Convention & Exhibition Department. "With our newly formed relationship with the North American International Show, we are happy to hold the very first Chinese Global Automotive Forum in Detroit. The gathering in China has proved to be a valuable source of information for Chinese OEMs, suppliers and companies looking to do business in Southeast Asia."

The Chinese Global Automotive Forum is organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Automotive Sub-Council, auto.163.com and the Tech Council International of DCEA.