Behind the scenes at the Detroit Auto Show
Two men clean the floor at the Mercedez-Benz booth before their press event at The North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Jan. 12, 2015.
The annual car show takes place amid a surging economy, more jobs and cheap gas, a trifecta of near-perfect conditions for the US auto industry.
The photographers covering the event offer some images behind the sheen of the show.
Volkswagen
People stand in the Volkswagen exhibit at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, Jan. 13, 2015.
Chevrolet Volt
People stand near the Chevrolet Volt display at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, Jan. 13, 2015.
Volkswagen
Michael Horn, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, celebrates as the Volkswagen Golf is named the North American Car Of The Year at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Jan. 12, 2015.
The Golf overcame fierce competition from the Ford Mustang and Hyundai Genesis to take the prestigious award.
Alfa Romeo 4C
A model stands next to the new Alfa Romeo 4C during the press preview at The North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Jan. 13, 2015.
Nissan Titan
The 2016 Nissan Titan pickup truck is shown under a cover during its unveiling at the first press preview day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Jan. 12, 2015.
Smart Electric Drive Coupe
Smart shows off their Electric Drive Coupe during the media preview at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Jan. 13, 2015.
Audi R8 V10
Model Cara Ruetz poses next to an Audi R8 V10 during the second press day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, Jan. 13, 2015.
Buick Cascada
A 2016 Buick Cascada hangs above workers during the media preview at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on January 13, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan.
The auto show opens to the public January 17-25.
Ford Mustang
A group of attendees look at components on the underside of a 2015 Ford Mustang on display during the second press day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Jan. 13, 2015.
Mercedes-Benz
Chairman of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Dieter Zetsche, right, looks on before revealing the Mercedes GLE Coupe during a preview event for the media, ahead of the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, Jan. 11, 2015.
Tesla Motors
Elon Musk, co-founder and CEO of Tesla Motors, speaks at the 2015 Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Michigan, January 13, 2015.
More than 5,000 journalists from around the world will see approximately 45 new vehicles unveiled during the 2015 NAIAS.
Chinese Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) GS4
Two models unveil the Chinese Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) GS4 during its world debut at the first press preview day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Jan. 12, 2015.
Chinese Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) GS4
Two models unveil the Chinese Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) GS4 during its world debut at the first press preview day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, Jan. 12, 2015.
GAC WitStar
Close up view of the rear seat area of the GAC WitStar concept, which features an aquarium containing plastic fish, as displayed during the second press day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, Jan. 13, 2015.
Mercedes Benz
A man wears a camera on his head as he visits the Mercedes Benz exhibit during the second press day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, Jan. 13, 2015.
Mercedes Benz F015
View of the seating area on the Mercedes Benz F015 Luxury in Motion concept on display during the second press day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, Jan. 13, 2015.
Cadillac ATS
A Cadillac ATS sedan sits covered with plastic to keep it clean before press days of the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan, Jan. 10, 2015.
Infinity Q60
Infinity shows off the Q60 concept during the media preview at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, Jan. 12, 2015.
The auto show opens to the public January 17-25.