In an effort to boost crowds and keep automakers happy, the North American International Auto Show (Detroit Auto Show) is being moved from its longstanding January date to June.
Although the Detroit Auto Show remains a popular event, drawing international attention, as new cars are revealed each year, there are some drawbacks to hosting the event in January. The weather is the most obvious drawback. However, the date also poses problems with automakers and their reveal dates, it costs them a lot more money to prepare for, as they are working through the November and December holidays to be ready for the event.
Automakers have begun pulling out of the 2019 show. The January date also poses a conflict with the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show.
The Detroit Auto Dealership Association came to the decision to move the even from January to June after discussing options with its 250 stakeholders. Their goal is to capitalize on better weather conditions to create a festival vibe. The auto show would draw more attention, as it occurs within the same time frame as the GM River Days and the Detroit Grand Prix on Belle Isle.
The base of the Detroit Auto Show would remain in Cobo Center, but it will now be extended beyond these walls and into the neighboring areas of the city. This will allow vendors to take the exhibits outdoors, allowing visitors to drive the vehicles. Demos would be made available in real-world situations, rather than indoor simulations. Unique car displays will be built outdoors. The event will also feature concerts and food trucks from Hart Plaza, down Woodward Avenue to Campus Martius.
The Detroit Auto Show is an annual event that bring in $450 million to the area. In addition for Ford, foreign car-makers, which include Hyundai and Toyota support the decision to change the date. The auto show will continue as usual in 2109, going from January 21-27th. In 2020, the date will officially be moved to the week of June 8th.