Detroit, Michigan – A summer-long auto-tourism festival, 2008: Year of the Car, will be launched May 10 at numerous heritage areas in southeastern Michigan. The festival celebrates milestones in 2008, including the 100th anniversary of the founding of General Motors and production of the first Ford Model T in 1908.

Year of the Car launches in conjunction with National Transportation Week and concludes with the Automotive Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies in October, and links more than 100 activities at nearly 60 different locations. The collaborative effort is being organized and sponsored by MotorCities National Heritage Area, an affiliate of the National Park Service, along with several partners including the Ford Motor Company, General Motors, The Henry Ford and Travel Michigan.

Events and displays include the GM Heritage Center, normally closed to the public, which will open on a limited schedule; the Model T Experience at The Henry Ford Museum; the GM 100th Anniversary Parade in Flint; the Old Car Festival at The Henry Ford; the Woodward Dream Cruise; Year of the Car Cruise; and the 2008 Model T Ford Club International Tour. For more information, visit MotorCities.org.