The Romeo High School students plan to attend college in the fall and go into business together after graduation. They toured the 55th annual Murray's Autorama on Friday at Cobo Center as part of an event in which 2,500 Metro Detroit students got an up-close look at a segment of the auto industry that is steadily growing.

The show attracted not only students who got a sneak peak before the public opening, but also adults who wanted to upgrade their rides. Linda Ashley, spokeswoman for Autorama, said although Friday had a steady number of visitors, attendance figures would not be released until the show closes.

The aftermarket industry -- involving mechanics who change vehicles after they're built -- has grown 4 percent annually and posted $280 billion in sales last year, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association.

At Autorama, details dominated. Engines gleamed. Door handles were so smooth they blended into the car. And trunks were sleek and streamlined by having emblems and chrome removed.

"There are a bunch of hot cars here that we don't get to see up north (in Macomb County)," said 18-year-old Hudson during the student session.

"We only see trucks. This is insane."

Autorama organizers offered an educational day last year that was so popular they expanded it this year. Students met with industry speakers and soaked in plenty of information about job opportunities. The aftermarket industry has about 4.5 million employees, according to the industry association.

Many of the car owners have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars tricking out their rides for the Autorama, the largest hot rod show in the nation, said Wendy Razlog, an organizer of the students' visit. Car owners can win coveted and prestigious awards during the show. More than 130,000 people attend annually.

"We are trying to let the students know they can make money doing this," Razlog said.

"Many kids do not want to go to engineering school. But they can make money by getting in at a body shop."

Most of the students were from area high schools, but some were also from Metro Detroit community colleges and technical schools. All of the students received free passes to the show.

"The auto industry is going downhill, but the aftermarket stuff will never die," said Tony Termini, 17, a student at Stevenson High School.

"Just look around."