The automotive world is no longer the same. Exhibitions too. I remember that more than 10 years ago (shortly before the crisis) I had the opportunity to attend the largest American show in Detroit, which brings together new cars shown to fans from as far back as 1907, what a huge difference compared to showrooms in Europe. Although all the major automakers participated in the spaces near the Detroit Red Wings hockey hall, there was no glow, and outside, in addition to the dog chill of January, the battered downtown skyscrapers stood out ominously. At that time, most European journalists wondered: who needs this exhibition. Well, it’s time to stop the show in Detroit, or rather in its winter version. Until January 27, the last exhibition will be held in the American city in its usual version.
Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Porsche, Jaguar and Land Rover, as well as smaller manufacturers like Mitsubishi and Mini, are skipping Detroit this year.
The absence of many iconic brands is also a major reason for the Detroit Showroom to move, as it would otherwise have to close.
In recent years, automakers have chosen to showcase their new models at the CES Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Therefore, the organizers of the exhibition in Detroit decided to move the exhibition from January to June, and the first summer event will take place in 2020.
“This is the last exhibition in Detroit that takes place in the winter. The only European brand that now has a stand here is Volkswagen, so the show is not very big compared to previous years,” confirmed Julie Blakley, communications manager for analytics firm iSeeCars.
“June will allow us to better present the achievements of the automotive industry. We will use open spaces and provide more entertainment for the public,” said Doug North, president of the Automobile Dealers Association, which organizes the show in Detroit.
The organizers of North America’s oldest and most prestigious trade show are making up for the lack of many of Europe’s leading exhibitors with new attractions. Like the car dealership in Sofia, the Detroit car dealership has become a huge bazaar where you can pick up a car.
“All the cars we show are for sale. Several of them are sold annually. Some buyers take the keys at the moment and drive them on the same day. This year, for the first time, cars will move in the hall. We have also set up two tracks where visitors can test the cars,” says North.
“Car dealerships have been working for years on the principle — look, but don’t touch what visitors don’t like, doesn’t attract them. In Las Vegas, demonstrations are much more impressive and interesting for the public, more interactive, people can participate in them. Basically, car shows are an exhausted formula, which means they need to be changed,” said analyst Jeremy Acevedo.
At the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen and Ford announced the first formal large-scale alliance agreement between the two companies. The company has confirmed that they will be developing mid-size vans and pickup trucks for global markets as early as 2022. In addition, Volkswagen and Ford have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore other collaborations with autonomous vehicles, mobility services and electric vehicles.
Volkswagen saved money at the Paris Motor Show in October and decided to stay in Detroit, where the next-generation Passat was shown specifically for the US market.
