What Will This Year’s Auto Show Tell Us About The Future of the Industry?

“The United States is designed in the face of its own god — the automobile.”

Jake Neher/WDET

It’s that time of year… the auto show returns to Detroit this weekend.

This year the sparkle and shine of the spectacle comes with reports of declining auto sales and open questions about the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

What is the future of the industry we hold in such high regard in this region?  

“Pent up demand is largely gone,” says Paul Eisenstein, publisher of The Detroit Bureau

Eisenstein joins Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson to preview this year’s auto show and give an update on the industry.

He says the auto industry as we know it is forever changed, and we’re still waiting to see what the new normal is. 

Eisenstein says part of what’s changing the industry is the evolution of the autonomous car.

“Religious folks will say ‘we were designed in the face of God.’ The United States is designed in the face of its own god — the automobile. What happens when ownership is taken out of the equation?”

“It’s going to be very interesting to watch.”

To hear more from Eisenstein on Detroit Today, click on the audio player above.

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  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.