Detroit Motor Show returns after two-year hiatus

The North American International Auto Show will return to Detroit this year after the last two editions were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Detroit show attracted over 8 lakh visitors in 2019
• It is a major event for American car manufacturers

The show will be held between September 14-25 at the Huntington Place convention centre, while outdoor activities and displays will take place around downtown Detroit. 

Regarded as one of the largest car events in the US, the Detroit Motor Show attracted around 8,00,000 visitors in 2018. It is estimated that it generates around $500 million (over Rs 3,600 crore) for the local economy.  

Last year, the show was substituted by the Motor Bella, a multiple-day outdoor enthusiast event held in Pontiac, just north of Detroit. The show’s organisers insist measures will be put in place to keep the event as safe as possible. 

“We are proud to return to downtown Detroit,” said Rod Alberts, executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association. “Capitalising on everything we’ve learned over the past two-and-a-half years, we are uniquely positioned to bring a dynamic, engaging, experimental show to Detroit this year.” 

The last North American International Auto Show took place in 2019 and it’s traditionally a major event for US-based manufacturers.

A launch pad for cars

The Ford Explorer and Mustang Shelby GT500 were revealed at the 2019 show, while Kia unveiled the Telluride, Subaru the new WRX STI, and Toyota the new Supra. 

European manufacturers also target the event. In 2018, Mercedes launched the G-Class and CLS, including the AMG-honed CLS 53, while BMW revealed the X2. Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini also handed US debuts to the Phantom and the Urus, respectively.

What car launches are you excited for with the return of the motor show? Let us know in the comments below.