NACE To Bring Auto Mechanics Expo To Cobo Center

DETROIT (WWJ) -- While Detroit is known for one of the grandest auto shows in the world, this week it's the people who repair those vehicles who will be taking over Cobo Center.

Dan Risely from the Automotive Service Association said that more than 10,000 people from a dozen countries are expected to learn about the latest in vehicle repair at this year's NACE - CARS Industry Week Expo, and even have a chance to meet a few celebrities.

"There's a good chance that a segment of 'Gas Monkey Garage' -- which is viewed, I believe, on Discovery -- is actually going to be filmed on the show floor," Risely said.

Risely said that this is the first time the show has been held in Detroit, which begins Thursday.

"There are about 3,000 shops within about a three-hour driving distance of Detroit, which allows for driving traffic that we've never had," Risely said. "So, from a local support perspective, we're expecting a lot of people on-site to walk up and register for the show."

On Thursday and Friday, the NACE -- CARS Expo will take place, along with numerous NACE and CARS business and technical sessions, the Collision Repair Executive Symposium (CRES), the Technology & Telematics Forum, the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) graduation ceremony and on-site I-CAR training. Technical presentations end at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.