Come 2020 the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), which is held on Detroit, will move from January to the month of June. Commonly known as the Detroit Auto Show, the popular automotive event will now start from June 8, 2020, which will also ensure that the motor show does not clash with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which has now started to focus on more and more car-related tech. The organisers of NAIAS also claim that this move will not only offer a better Return on Investment (ROI) and be cost-effective, but also give automakers more time to organise everything.
Commenting on the decision to move the timeline of the Detroit Auto Show, Rod Alberts, Executive Director, NAIAS, said "Our show is undergoing its most significant transformation in the last three decades. Detroit will continue to be a global stage for some of the world's most significant, and iconic vehicle reveals and host an unparalleled international audience of media and key industry influencers."
Detroit Auto Dealers Association and its Executive Board, which essentially runs the show, say that they were exploring new opportunities for the show and were in talks with key stakeholders - automakers, suppliers and sponsors, as well as industry and government leaders - to finalise this decision. Doug North, DADA President said, "Our ultimate goal is to provide an experience and opportunity for participating companies and attendees that only Detroit can offer. June will allow us to better showcase the automotive leadership, development and heritage of our great city and region holds."
Detroit Auto Show 2020 will allow exhibitors to conduct outdoor experiential brand activities
The fact that now, the show switch from the cold month of January to a much warmer June, the organisers believe, will now allow exhibitors to conduct outdoor experiential brand activations, making the show more dynamic and entertaining. A sampling of outdoor experiential activities might include - Dynamic Vehicle Debuts, Ride and Drives, Autonomous/Automated Driving, Off-Road Challenges and more. Also by moving to June, there will be substantial cost savings for exhibitors as it eliminates November, December, and January holidays from the move-in equation, exhibitors will see reduced overtime labour costs for builds.
Also Read: Audi To Skip Detroit Motor Show This Year
Right now, preparations are underway for the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, which will be held in January as per schedule. While Hyundai planning an exciting reveal in 2019, the three big German brands - Mercedes, BMW, and Audi, have decided to sit out of the Detroit Auto Show the coming year.
