It was a smart and bold decision for organizers of the North American International Auto Show. Moving the traditional Detroit show from January to a much warmer June, beginning in 2020, makes good sense! The Motor City is changing and this is the right time for the auto show to do the same. We commend Rod Alberts, longtime Executive Director of NAIAS, and his board of leaders, for their vision.
The calendar switch takes the Auto Show out of competition with the big Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It also renews interest from foreign automakers and provides new opportunities on how to showcase our #1 industry to the world. Our revitalized downtown Detroit will look a lot different in June than it does in January to our international guests. The weather also gives the show a chance to host vehicle-related events in more riverfront venues and downtown parks to better compliment the Cobo Convention Center.
The idea of a month long automotive festival beginning in June with the Detroit Grand Prix is also intriguing. What better way to wind down spring and kickoff several major summer events in the “D”?
With the change in show dates will come some new challenges. Traffic and road congestion could top the list. But good advance planning can minimize the hurdles this region will have to overcome to continue to grow into a world-class destination and economy.
Holding the Detroit auto show in June promises to add new energy and a new platform to reveal the very best automotive design and technology in the Auto Capital of the World!
I’m Mike Murri, Vice President & General Manager
Broadcast: August 2 - 5, 2018
