Auto Show Driving Up Business in Detroit

DETROIT (WJBK) -- Inside the auto show, it's all about the cars, but outside it's all about the cash. This week, the thousands of people flocking to Cobo are pumping plenty of money into Detroit.

At this year's auto show, 5,000 journalists from 55 different countries are working, sleeping and eating in Detroit.

Just outside Cobo, the streets are paved with gold, gold taxis that is, and that translates into a lot of green.

"Since the auto show [has] started, business [has] been good. I can't complain," said cab driver Edgar Fowler. "It's good for the city. I see business booming, restaurants, everybody's smiling."

Cab drivers are making more than just one stop. After all, you can't come to Detroit without a taste of the "D". After all, we're known for cars and Coneys.

"We've been very busy for the auto show here at the Coney Island. You get all the media and press from all over the world that come in here because they want to eat our signature food. It's what Detroit's known for," said Grace Keros with American Coney Island.

However, this is just a dry run. Once the auto show is open to the general public, expect places like American to be standing room only.

"Lines out the door. The city is just going to be jammed packed," Keros explained.

According to ShopAutoWeek.com, more than 735,000 people came to last year's auto show. They ate 32,000 slices of pizza and drank more than 70,000 bottles of soft drinks.

This year, vendors are hoping you'll have more than a thirst for soft drinks, and they'll do whatever it takes to keep you satisfied, even if it means coming right to you.

Somerset Collection has opened a mini store right on Cobo's main floor to put Detroit on display.

"[What] we have here is everything that really represents Detroit anywhere from iconic food products like Better Made or Sanders down to all the cultural institutions, Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, all those fantastic venues," said Kelly Breckenridge with the Detroit Shoppe. "We've been really busy. It's been fantastic."

Over the next five years, the auto show is expected to pump around $1.75-billion into the local economy.