The North American International Auto Show has long been a staple for numerous automakers, domestic or foreign. Recently, however, cracks are beginning to show.
Audi announced last week that it will not attend the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. The make becomes the third German luxury brand to pull the plug on Detroit after Mercedes-Benz and BMW both announced they would also no longer attend. Volkswagen will still remain at NAIAS, according to Automotive News Europe.
As brands continue to leave NAIAS in favor of New York, Los Angeles, and the Consumer Electronics Show, the Detroit show’s organizers have been busy behind the scenes. Two distinct rumors have surfaced in recent months: a date change to October, and General Motors suggestion to hold the show in June.
In October, the show would likely feature warmer weather and the possibility for outdoor displays. Automakers could also show off new technology and self-driving cars.
The GM suggestion, a June date, could coincide with the Detroit Grand Prix at Belle Isle, though it comes with its own set of consequences. Critics say parking could be disastrous, and cooling Cobo Hall, where NAIAS is held, may be an expensive proposition. The Midwest gets humid, after all.
Comments
Their loss! This could be beneficial to Caddy and Lincoln.
Good riddance. Their loss!
Screw Audi. BYE. Fewer Nazi cars is GOOD News
An “everyman” auto show, featuring the Big 3, VW, and the Japanese/ Korean OEMs could be a great way to go. Mainstream / high volume cars would stay in focus.
I really hate to see this trend continuing. The Detroit Auto Show was once THE show to attend. I’ve been going for the past nine years straight, and had attended one additional time a few years earlier. I’ve seen the decline of the show picking up steam in the past few years, and it was particularly bad this year. Not only are more and more automakers absent, but the quality of the displays has decreased, the new vehicle introductions have become fewer, and concept cars have all but gone away. As much of a GM fan as I am, I’m also interested in seeing the latest offerings from the other manufacturers, especially the upper end brands that have been fleeing the show (Tesla, Jaguar, Land Rover, Bentley, Aston Martin, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, and now Audi). I can’t always get the hassle-free hands on experience with those kinds of cars elsewhere. There are several large dealerships locally where I can sit in new “everyman” cars, and grab a brochure without being hassled by salespeople, so why continue to make the five hour trip to Detroit in the dead of winter? I’ve gotten caught up in some pretty intense snow and ice through the years, and it just isn’t worth it anymore. The reality is that I can get to the New York show in about an hour longer than it takes to get to Detroit, and see the full spectrum of automakers at a slightly milder time of year. It’s a real shame, as Detroit is a real interesting city for car buffs, and a much nicer place than a lot of people give it credit for. I would love to see the show moved to the summer/fall, so that I can travel with less stress, and check out some more of the surrounding area by doing things that can’t be done in January. The show’s organizers must realize that at this point it likely won’t survive as we know it without drastic measures.
I always wondered why the NAIAS was always in Detroit in January. If it wants to be a top show, why not have it in September during new model changeover?
I would not be surprised if auto shows just go away.
The cost of them are just getting higher and more people can be reached on the web for much less.
It is sad but technology’ has rendered another victim.
Yeah, your right. At the Frankfort Auto Show, BMW showed their Concept Z4 convertible; Concept X7 SUV ; Concept iVD, Vision Dynamics all electric sedan; the I3s electric; Concept 8 series coupe; Alpina B7 sedan; 6 Series GT sedan; and an all electric Mini coupe. All these along with regular production vehicles. This was just in the BMW building. There is a difference between a company with vision and a company in retreat.
Audi, Porsche, Jaguar, Range Rover, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes, BMW and Volvo have all pulled out.
Guess you could make it an ‘best of North America’ show – but Encore is South Korean, Envision is (still) Chinese, FCA is Italian-owned,
So, I dunno – ‘Everyman’ doesn’t seem like much of an attraction – oh, and Tesla’s American (as are their batteries. Best of NA feels ok, and puts a little pressure on North America to dial it up.
Just a thought – start your down votes now…