Stellantis' Exit from Chicago Auto Show Breaks Tradition After Chrysler's Debut Centenary

Jan 07, 2024 10:30 PM EST

LOW ANGLE SHOT OF A BLACK RAM PICKUP TRUCK ON A PARKING LOT — (Photo : PEXELS/Vitali Adutskevich)

One hundred years ago, at the New York Automobile Show, the Chrysler B70 marked Walter P. Chrysler's automobile venture. This momentous premiere planted the seeds of an American automotive classic. Now, in a significant departure from tradition, Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, has announced its decision to withdraw from the forthcoming 2024 Chicago Auto Show and potentially reconsider its participation in future showcases.

Stellantis' Exit from Chicago Auto Show Breaks 100 Years Tradition

Back in January 1924, the Chrysler B70 graced the New York Auto Show at the Commodore Hotel, showcasing its prowess as a sedan priced at ,350. However, times have evolved considerably since that pioneering moment in automotive history.

Reports revealed Stellantis's intent to miss the Chicago Auto Show next month, with ongoing appraisals of its involvement in circuit events, Automotive News reported.

Stellantis spokesperson Rick Deneau emphasized the strategic adjustment. Stellantis is carefully revising its auto show marketing strategy to address U.S. automobile market issues. This review prioritizes consumer engagement with their vehicle products while optimizing resource use.

Stellantis remains committed to creating adored products, ensuring universal mobility, and excelling in value creation, aligned with the Dare Forward 2030 strategy goal.The exclusion of the popular Camp Jeep test track is a notable change for this year's Chicago Auto Show.

More than two dozen manufacturers will present their cars at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. Scheduled from February 10 to 19, the Chicago Auto Show will be held at McCormick Place.

As per a CBS Chicago report, Stellantis's withdrawal from the Chicago Auto Show was highlighted. The Chicago Auto Show's statement acknowledged the historical significance of Stellantis and its predecessors - Fiat Chrysler, DaimlerChrysler, and the Chrysler Corporation - as key contributors to the event, citing the introduction of Camp Jeep in 2005 as a milestone.

Although the conglomerate didn't explicitly reference the recent United Auto Workers strike against Stellantis, General Motors, and Ford, the Auto Show connected Stellantis's cost-saving measures to the aftermath of the UAW strike and its resulting labor contract.

About Stellantis

As per its website, Stellantis represents a collection of 14 renowned automotive brands and two mobility divisions focused on more than mere transportation-they emphasize the act of moving people and fostering connections.

As the company undergoes a transition into a sustainable mobility tech entity, it is steered by the distinct vision outlined in their Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan. This strategy helps Stellantis reach carbon neutrality by 2038(1) and create unmatched value for stakeholders.

Completely committed to their customer base and supported by industry-leading partners, they aim to pioneer, engineer, produce, and expand cutting-edge innovations in sustainable mobility. With a community representing over 160 nationalities, operational presence in more than 30 countries, and a customer reach extending to over 130 markets, they stand as one of the most diverse global corporations.

They're actively pursuing their electrification mission, poised to revolutionize global transportation.Their ambitious targets include aiming for 100% of sales in Europe and 50% in the United States to comprise battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by the decade's end.