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The six automakers that have pulled out of this year's Detroit auto show do not affect the long-term need for a Cobo Center expansion, says the show's co-chairman.

Joe Serra, senior co-chairman of the North American International Auto Show, says the loss of Nissan, Mitsubishi, Rolls Royce, Land Rover, Ferrari and Suzuki is a short-term reality brought on by a trying economy and doesn't change the future needs of Cobo.

Nissan announced its decision today, making it the largest automaker to pull out of the 2009 show. Nissan is also withdrawing from the Chicago auto show in February.

"This is just a reflection of how our world is today, and once we get back on our feet and the economy gets strong again the demand will be there again and these manufacturers will need to be and want to be back in Detroit," Serra said. "It would be foolish for us to think this is how the future is going to look."

Serra said Cobo facilities still need upgrades and the near-term reality of automakers dropping out of the show doesn't change the long-term need for a expansion to meet what Serra expects will be increasing demand for floor space.

"What we are talking about today is not going to come to fruition until 2011," he said. "By then, we might not have enough (space) even with the expansion."