Nissan's vice president for communications Alan Buddendeck said the "extraordinary economic and industry climate" called for "decisions that are often difficult and even controversial."

Buddendeck said the company reviewed the decision with Chicago area auto dealers and "found a way to maintain a presence at the Chicago show."

The Chicago show was consumer-oriented, he said. He also said the company had already paid for the exhibition space in Chicago.

"The decision outlined for Chicago doesn't affect our decision to withdraw from the 2009 North American International Auto Show," Buddendeck said.

"We're glad and looking forward to having them back. They recognize one of the functions of a show is to sell cars," said Jerry Cizek, president of the Chicago Auto Trade Association.