REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 5, 2006 — Automotive enthusiasts who crave an up-close look at the hottest new cars at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), revving up Jan. 8 in Detroit, can experience the event online for the ninth straight year on MSN® Autos at http://autoshow.msn.com. As the Official Web Site for the NAIAS 2006, MSN Autos will offer consumers exclusive access to media-only Press Days, Jan. 8–10, via up-to-the-hour video clips, photos and feature articles as an estimated 60 new vehicles make their worldwide or North American debuts.
“Through the timely reporting and exclusive multimedia content available on MSN Autos, millions of people around the world can share in the excitement of this premier industry event,” said Richard Genthe, senior co-chairman of the NAIAS 2006. “We’re pleased to once again have the excellent support of MSN Autos behind the show.”
Visitors to the official NAIAS 2006 Web site at http://autoshow.msn.com will find the following:
-
Extensive video content from each press conference during Press Days (Jan. 8–10)
-
Access to hundreds of photos of new vehicles on display at the show
-
Exclusive editorial reporting from the highly experienced MSN Autos team
Last year nearly 8 million people visited the NAIAS Web site on MSN Autos — 10 times the number of in-person attendees at the event — and generated close to 100 million total page views. The MSN Autos editorial team produced more than 40 articles and more than 50 videos, and posted more than 2,000 exclusive photos during the NAIAS 2005.
Members of the news media can access high-quality show photos in the NAIAS 2006 virtual pressroom at http://autos.msn.com/press — a new feature of the Web site for this year’s show.
“Being so closely associated with the top auto show in North America and one of the most important automotive events in the world gives MSN Autos a tremendous opportunity to delight our consumers with a virtual visit to this exciting show,” said Scott Ehlers, general manager for MSN Autos at Microsoft Corp. “NAIAS 2006 is shaping up to be a remarkable experience for automotive fans, and they can catch every minute of the excitement on MSN Autos.”
About the North American International Auto Show
Entering its 18th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, and is one of the largest media events in North America. The NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. The NAIAS Web site can be accessed at http://www.naias.com.
About MSN Autos
MSN Autos is the easy-to-use, comprehensive, online automotive resource for researching, buying and owning cars. More than 10 million people visit MSN Autos each month worldwide, making it one of the most popular car sites on the Web. MSN Autos provides industry-leading automotive dealers, manufacturers and related service providers with a proven platform for reaching online consumers. With detailed information on more than 10,000 car models, over one million used car listings and 350,000 vehicle reviews written by other MSN consumers, visitors can research and compare vehicles of virtually every make and model, identify local dealers, and receive guidance for post-purchase service and maintenance. Every month more than 50,000 new customers subscribe to MSN Autos’ “My Car” ownership service, which enables users to personalize and maintain their automotive information in a way that is relevant to their interests, location or even driving behavior by providing timely information such as live traffic reports and current gas prices in their area.
About MSN and Windows Live
MSN attracts more than 440 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live™, a new set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services. Some Windows Live services entered an early beta phase on Nov. 1, 2005; these and future beta updates can be found at http://ideas.live.com. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com. MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Microsoft, MSN and Windows Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft® Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.
