Published: January 01. 2010 2:00AM

By Dan Byers
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

For many in the auto industry, the New Year can't come quickly enough. This year will be remembered as one of the worst in automotive history, with overall sales down almost 40% from 2007 sales levels.

As the industry goes, so goes the auto shows. Budget cuts, bankruptcy, sliding sales and sinking profits cast a somber tone over the entire 2009 auto show season. But industry insiders predict renewed excitement for the 2010 season, with new models, new concepts and new technology leading the path to recovery while showcasing the industry's future.

For car lovers and car shoppers alike, the best way to see the present and future of the automobile is to attend an international auto show.

North American International Auto Show

The super bowl of the North American auto show season is the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Held every year at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan, the show is one of the largest in the world and will feature over 700 vehicles on display, including over 60 new car world premiers. The show is one of the largest in the world and will feature over 700 vehicles on display, including over 60 new car world premiers. Over 650,000 people attended last year's show, and this year is expected to be bigger, brighter, and more exciting than ever.

Attendees at this year's show can see some of the most exciting and exotic cars in the world while experiencing interactive demonstrations and events such as The MEDC EcoXperience. The EcoXperience will feature a quarter-mile indoor ride-and-drive test track surrounded by landscaped and forested terrain, where over 50,000 NAIAS visitors can ride in the latest electric and hybrid vehicles.

The show will be open to the public from January 16-24, 2010. For tickets and information, visit www.NAIAS.com.

Chicago Auto Show

The first Chicago auto show was held in 1901, and featured 113 vehicles from 36 different automakers. My, how times have changed. Billed as the nation's largest auto show, this year's show will feature production and concept vehicles from virtually every manufacturer. Last year's show included exhibits from the automotive and entertainment industries, including the world debut of the hotly anticipated 2010 Ford Taurus SHO, the stunning Chevrolet Corvette Stingray concept car, and the cars and Autobots from the blockbuster movie “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

The show will be open to the public from February 12-21, 2010. Visit www.chicagoautoshow.com for tickets and information.

New York International Auto Show

One of best reasons to visit an auto show is to see virtually every new 2010/2011 production model available. Locate one of largest and most exciting auto shows in the world in the city that never sleeps and you have the perfect venue for car buffs. With just as many attractions outside the show as inside, it's easy to see why over one million people attend each year.

As one of the leading auto shows in the world, car makers use the show to make news as well. BMW used last year's NY show to debut the production version of the new 2010 X5 M and X6 M. Other notable debuts included the introduction of the 2010 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG sports sedan. And the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee literally climbed the stairs to take the stage for its unveiling.

But the attractions inside the show aren't limited to the four wheeled variety. Runway models show off the latest highway models, while celebrity appearances, interactive games and displays keep the crowds enthusiastic and engaged.

The show will be open to the public from April 2-11, 2010. Visit www.autoshowny.com for tickets and information.

South Carolina International Auto Show

International auto shows aren't limited to major cities. The Upstate's booming automotive industry gives the South Carolina International Auto Show a big city feel with the convenience of a much shorter drive. Hundreds of new cars, trucks, SUVs and hybrids can be seen at the same time, all under one roof, with attractions and displays for all members of the family.

The show will be held January 15-17, 2010 at the Carolina First Center. For more information and discount coupons, visit the official auto show Web site, www.SouthCarolinaAutoShow.com.