Detroit Auto Show’s move to fall signals industry shifts
This year’s event will feature test drives of new vehicles, among several new activities, according to the event’s co-chair.
A new Corvette on display at the 2022 Detroit auto show.
The Detroit Auto Show returns this week. While Detroit’s first Auto Show occurred in 1899, it is now an annual tradition in the city.
This year’s event differs significantly from years past as, for the first time in the show’s history, there are both indoor and outdoor events.
“The move from January to September is massive.” — Thad Szott, Detroit Auto Show co-chair
Listen: Memories of past Auto Shows and looking ahead to this year’s attractions.
Guests
Thad Szott is the president of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (“DADA”) and co-chair of the Detroit Auto Show. He says moving the show to September is a big benefit for the show.
“The move from January to September is massive,” says Szott. “You can actually park half a mile away and enjoy the walk to Huntington Place.”
Jamie Butters is an executive editor of Automotive News and co-host of the Automotive News Daily Drive podcast. He says we are experiencing a change in how auto shows are run, with less emphasis on international events.
“The way cars get introduced has changed,” says Butters. “Now we’re seeing, just like here in Detroit, this pivot back toward regional shows, trying to really get people excited about vehicles in their local market.”
Photo credit: Dave Kim/WDET.
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