Detroit auto show to return with new vehicles, outdoor events this fall

A view of the show floor during the 2019 North American International Auto Show held at what was then called Cobo Center in downtown Detroit on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press, Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press

That move brought with it an ambitious plan to have outdoor attractions along the Detroit riverfront and at the parks to make the most of the scenic location, downtown restaurants and attractions.

The September show retains those goals, NAIAS executive director Rod Alberts said Tuesday, promising “a destination event” that will showcase the region and draw visitors.

DADA’s original plan for a show in June 2020 ran afoul of the COVID-19 pandemic and the status of Huntington Place — then known as Cobo Center or TCF Place —  as an emergency field hospital. DADA tried to reschedule for fall 2021, this time running afoul of the delta variant.

NAIAS has been one of southeast Michigan’s signature events for decades, regularly drawing 700,000-800,000 visitors, journalists and auto engineers and executives from around the world. At its peak, the show pumped $400 million annually into the local economy — more than hosting a Super Bowl.

Auto dealers staged a dry run for the auto show’s outdoor portion last summer. Called the Motor City Car Crawl, it featured vehicles on display in downtown parks and entertainment including a Sheryl Crow concert raising money for local children’s charities.

Motor Bella, a separate show-affiliated event at M1 Concours in Pontiac last fall  suffered from inclement weather. It was not mentioned in the DADA's plans for 2022.

SOURCE: Detroit Free Press