The North American International Auto Show was a January tradition, but it moved to June to include outdoor events and to distance itself from CES and the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The first summer event was scheduled to take place this year, but it never happened because of the coronavirus pandemic. As you may recall, the TCF Center was transformed into a field hospital and organizers announced the auto show would return in June 2021.
Fast forward to today, and the show has moved once again. The 2021 Detroit Auto Show is now slated to kick off in September and run through October 9th. Organizers are also promising it will be a “global powerhouse of current product and next-generation mobility, combined with immersive brand activations and product engagement for both the international media and the public.”
Also Read: Detroit Auto Show Cancelled As Event Center To Be Turned Into Hospital Amid Coronavirus Crisis
That sounds pretty optimistic considering NAIAS has turned into a shell of its former self, but NAIAS Executive Director Rod Alberts said “We have talked with many of our partners, particularly the OEMs, and they are fully on board and excited about the date change.”
Besides announcing the move to fall for 2021, organizers revealed they’re giving up on the summer idea altogether as NAIAS will “remain a fall show going forward.” This could be a bad idea as it will put the show in competition with IAA Munich – formerly known as the Frankfurt Motor Show – which kicks off in early September.
Organizers attempted to downplay this by saying they “secured dates towards the end of the month, in part, to be mindful of the new IAA in Munich.” Alberts also said “September is an excellent time of year for new product, and at the same time, alleviates the challenges a now crowded spring auto show calendar presents for auto show stakeholders.” That’s apparently a reference to the Los Angeles Auto Show which moved from November to May.
As for the important dates, the press preview is slated for September 28th and 29th. Likewise, the public show will run from October 2nd to October 9th.
