For the first time ever, the New York Automobile Show will be an official International event. This year's show is sanctioned by the Organisation Internationale Des Constructeurs D'Automobiles (OICA).

More than a thousand cars and trucks will be on display, on 846,000 square feet of exhibit space. Show organizers say "dozens" of global and North American vehicle debuts are anticipated. In fact, at least 20 major news conferences are expected to take place during the two-day press period.

Acura plans to unveil its "all-new" second-generation TSX sport sedan, which goes on sale this spring. Honda will showcase its redesigned 2009 Fit subcompact. Audi may feature the North American debut of its A4 Avant (wagon), which was first seen at the Geneva (Switzerland) Motor Show earlier in March.

BlueTEC diesel power should be the big news from Mercedes-Benz, whichplans to display a group of diesel-engine models that will soon be sold in all 50 states. The facelifted 2009 M-Class SUV also is likely to appear, and the 2009 SL-Class roadsters will make their first North American appearance.

Toyota's youth-oriented Scion division will unveil a concept Hako Coupe, called a "sporty interpreation of the box concept." Suzuki is revealing a Concept Kizashi 3, serving as a follow-up to the Concept Kizashi and its Kizashi 2 successor, which debuted last year at the Frankfurt and Tokyo Motor Shows, respectively. Mitsubishi is bringing a batch of concept cars that have previously appeared at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Nissan is expected to exhibit the redesigned 2009 Maxima sedan. Also on display will by the redesigned Infiniti FX50, which made its initial appearance at the Geneva (Switzerland) Motor Show earlier in March.

Dodge unveiled the retro-muscle Challenger at the Chicago Auto Show in February, but only in high-performance SRT8 form. At New York, Dodge might show additional Challenger models.

Volvo will probably exhibit its new XC60 crossover model, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show earlier in March. Saab also is likely to bring a vehicle from the Geneva show: the 9-X BioHybrid concept.

Additional manufacturers that have scheduled press conferences to announce their latest products - or provide other news - include Kia, Toyota, General Motors, Lamborghini, BMW, Bentley, Mini, and Subaru.

Robert Nardelli, the recently-appointed chairman and CEO of Chrysler, will deliver the show's keynote address as Press Days begin. On March 20, the World Car of the Year will be announced, selected by a jury of 47 international automotive journalists.

Journalists will be arriving at the Javits Center on Wednesday, March 19 for a two-day press period. The show opens to the public on Friday, March 21 and runs through March 30. Auto-show details are available at www.autoshowny.com. Ticket prices are $14 for adults and $4 for children under 12.

Our full report on the 2008 New York Auto Show will be posted soon.