Detroit auto show through the years

Detroit: The Detroit auto show, which opens to the public Jan. 18 after a week of media and industry previews, dates to 1907, when a group of dealers held a show in a city park.The show was largely a regional event showcasing Detroit automakers until 1989, when the name was changed to the North American International Auto Show and Toyota and Nissan used it to introduce their new luxury brands.The annual event has since grown to be one of most important shows on the auto industry's calendar. Last year, more than 795,000 people — including 5,200 journalists from around the world — attended the show. This year, at least 50 new vehicles will make their debut.Here's a gallery of images of the auto show through the years.Also View: Hot cars unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show 2014 In this Oct. 14, 1960 file photo, people visit the National Auto Show at Cobo Hall in Detroit. In 2013, more than 795,000 people, including 5,200 journalists from around the world attended the show.In this Jan. 15, 1975 file photo, crowds visit the 59th Detroit Auto Show in the Cobo Arena in Detroit. Hundreds of thousands of buyers and car fans are expected to crowd Detroits North American International Auto Show in 2014.In this Jan. 12, 1975, file photo, American Motors' board chairman Roy D. Chapin checks over the company's new sub-compact Pacer during a preview ceremony at the 1975 Detroit Auto Show. Show organizers expect more than 50 new model introductions when the 2014 show kicks off Monday Jan. 13, 2014.In this Jan. 1989, file photo provided by Pontiac, the new multi-purpose-vehicle, Trans Sport is shown at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit's Cobo Hall, Jan. 1989. The Detroit Auto Show was largely a regional event showcasing Detroit automakers until 1989, when the name was changed to the North American International Auto Show and Toyota and Nissan used it to introduce their new luxury brands.In this Jan. 2, 1990, file photo, workers roll a Mercury Cyclone concept car up a ramp into its display area as work continues at Cobo Center in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show. The annual event has since grown to be one of most important shows on the auto industrys calendar.In this Jan. 5, 1993, file photo, Eddie de Santis and the Singing Strings perform during the Detroit Auto Dealer's Association preview party at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Jan. 5, 1993. In 2014, at least 50 new vehicles will make their debut.In this Jan. 9, 1993 file photo, thousands of people visit Cobo Center in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show.In this Jan. 8, 1993 file photo, then ASG Inc. chairman Heinz C. Prechter, center, points out the features of a Hummer as then Michigan Gov. John M. Engler and his wife Michelle look inside the vehicle at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Arena in Detroit. The beefy, military-inspired SUV, a macho icon for fans like Arnold Schwarzenegger and a symbol of ruin for environmentalists, was done in by high gas prices and bad economic times.In this Monday, Jan. 4, 1999 file photo Volkswagen AG chairman, Dr. Ferdinand Piech, poses next to the next generation beetle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.In this Sunday, Jan. 6, 2002, file photo, an unterior view of the Etimos console by Johnson Controls of Grand Rapids, Mich, is unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.In this Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007, file photo, journalists crowd to view the unveiling of the Chevrolet Volt concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In 2014, about 5, 200 journalists from around the world attended the show.In this Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007 file photo, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is shown on exhibit at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Detroit auto show, which opens to the public Jan. 18, 2014, after a week of media and industry previews, dates to 1907, when a group of dealers held a show in a city park.In this Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, file photo, visitors roam during opening day of the North American International Auto Show check the Audi vehicles, left, on display on in Detroit. In 1989, the show's name was changed to the North American International Auto Show and Toyota and Nissan used it to introduce their new luxury brands.In this Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, file photo, the Audi exhibit is shown at media previews for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. In 2013, more than 795,000 people, including 5,200 journalists from around the world, attended the show.In this Jan. 15, 2013, file photo, Dr. Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., talks about the The Nissan Resonance, left, and Versa Note, right, at media previews for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This year, at least 50 new vehicles will make their debut.