2012 North American International Auto Show (Detroit)

The NAIAS is just as often called the Detroit Auto Show, and with good reason: it is the showcase for the Detroit 3, even in their weakened state. If it's a splashy introduction, Detroit is the place for it, even for the Germans and Japanese. Detroit isn't the biggest market for import manufacturers, but it attracts the most diverse mix of journalists of any American auto show. Ironically, the NAIAS is more of a massive media event than an auto show for the typical family.