Detroit Auto Show, Cobo Hall Ink 7-Year Deal

The Detroit Auto Show as we know it—bright lights, expensive displays, and crowded convention centers—is changing. Cheap technology, democratized internet access, and a yearning for the spotlight is allowing automakers to bow out from attending shows while still garnering proper press coverage. In the last few years, automakers are not attending important, international shows, instead opting to reveal new models at private events—as General Motors did with the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. However, no show is as vital for Detroit and domestic automakers as the North American International Auto Show, and it’ll stay at Cobo Hall for another seven years thanks to a new deal inked between the two, according to The Detroit News. 

The agreement comes after show organizers decided to move the event from January to June. The thinking being the warmer weather will attract more people to downtown Detroit while allowing automakers to host drive or ride events in the city. The nicer weather could mean more outdoor activities, too, much like what happens during the Los Angeles Auto Show. The show will take over 14 acres of Hart Plaza along the Detroit waterfront. Events will also take place in Spirit Plaza and Campus Martius. 

With the move, the next Detroit Auto Show won’t happen until June 2020, kicking off with The Gallery June 6—just days after the Detroit Grand Prix concludes. Press will get an early look June 9-10 with the show opening to the public June 13. The show ends June 20. 

New products from GM will be sparse during next month’s Detroit Auto Show. Cadillac will likely debut the 2020 XT6 crossover, and that’s it. The mid-engined Corvette is rumored to not be at the show, but GM could unveil it in New York or at a private event later in 2019. Other debates for the final January NAIAS include the all-new Toyota Supra, 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, and 2020 Ford Explorer.