The 2011 North American International Auto show is expected to feature 30 to 40 worldwide vehicle debuts, show organizers said today.

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The Detroit show will include the introduction of the Audi A6, Chrysler 300, Ford Escape concept, Honda Civic concept and the Toyota Prius MPV.

Porsche AG is returning to the show after several years and is expected to unveil a new supercar concept. GEM, Wiki Speed, Saba Motors, Venturi and ZF Industries are also participating in the show.

Press days for the show begin Jan. 10. The show is open to the public Jan. 15-23.

Automakers introduced 37 production and concept vehicles at the 2010 show, including 27 worldwide debuts.

Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Rolls Royce, Fisker and Suzuki are skipping the show again this year. Electric-vehicle maker BYD Corp. is the only Chinese automaker participating in the show.

BYD said this week that it expects to begin testing a fleet of electric vehicles in the United States late next year.

Barron Meade, chairman of the show, said media and public attendance is expected to increase from this year’s show, when organizers issued 4,536 media credentials and public attendance totaled 714,137.

“We are seeing evidence the industry is on an upswing,” said Meade. “There is even more steel going up this year.”

Show organizers provided a preview of the show today as well as ongoing improvements to Cobo Center, where the show is held.

AW