The Detroit Auto Show to return to traditional January slot in 2025
After a couple of years in a late September slot, the Detroit Auto Show is set to return to its traditional January dates in 2025. The Detroit Auto Dealers Association confirmed the news on Thursday, revealing that the show will take place from Friday, Jan. 10, through Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit.
According to Rod Alberts, executive director of the Detroit Auto Show and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, the decision to return to the January slot was made after discussions with numerous partners. “Our primary goal is to create an impactful auto show, and after discussions with numerous partners, we believe a January date absolutely makes the most sense,” said Alberts. “In a constantly changing global automotive landscape, this update reflects our efforts to continue to reimagine the Detroit Auto Show with keeping an eye on what matters most — getting people excited about cars.”
The decision to move the show back to January comes after the last North American International Auto Show held in January in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed move to the summer was aimed at showcasing Detroit during its warmer months and allowing for outdoor activities, but the decision to return to January was based on various factors, including the changing automotive landscape and the need to get people excited about cars.
In a statement, Claude Molinari, CEO of Visit Detroit and chairman of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority, expressed excitement about the move, citing the slower time of year in the convention business during winter and the positive impact the January slot would have on Detroit hotels and restaurants.
The decision to return to the January slot was met with approval from industry stakeholders. “I think it’s better because at that time, there’s not a lot going on,” said Jim Schebil, owner and president of Fox Hills Chrysler Jeep in Plymouth. “It’s a great time to have a party and have an auto show.”
According to Michelle Krebs, executive analyst for Cox Automotive, the decision to go back to January is a good move on the DADA’s part since auto shows have changed, and it makes sense to align the show with the winter months to capitalize on a captive audience.
The move back to the January slot comes as other auto shows have faced challenges in attracting automakers. Stellantis NV recently announced that it won’t make an appearance at the Chicago Auto Show next month, citing challenging market conditions.
Organizers are hopeful that the return to the January slot will reinvigorate the Detroit Auto Show and attract automakers, industry professionals, and the general public. “The Detroit Auto Show is our hometown show, and we look forward to supporting our dealers and exciting customers with our latest portfolio of award-winning products in January 2025,” said a spokesperson from GM.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the Detroit Auto Show’s return to the January slot signals a renewed focus on engaging with consumers and showcasing the best of the industry during a quieter time of year. With the announcement of the 2025 dates, anticipation for the return of the iconic show is already building.