Detroit Auto Show Drops September, Makes January Comeback for 2025

Jan 12, 2024 09:11 PM EST

FAST CARS ON THE AUTO SHOW — (Photo : PEXELS/Matheus Bertelli)

Detroit's major auto exhibition is making its way back to the month of January, following an unsuccessful two-year experiment when it shifted to the warmer month of September, all in an attempt to create enhanced outdoor activities and attract a larger number of consumers. The Detroit Auto Show in January, also known as the North American International Show, is reverting to its traditional schedule.

The January Comeback in 2025

Scheduled for January 10 through January 20 next year, the upcoming North American International Auto Show's return to January was announced by organizers on Thursday. According to Rod Alberts, the executive director of the Detroit Auto Show, the decision to return to the traditional January timeframe was reached after extensive discussions with various partners. This auto show usually happens at the beginning of the year is embracing its original scheduling.

Reports stated that over the past two years, the event had taken place in September, resulting in a lack of significant new vehicle unveilings and a decline in attendance. The attempt to showcase cutting-edge technology and car models outdoors with more hands-on driving experiences did not fully materialize. The North American International Show in January is making its comeback to January to recapture its former allure.

Motor1.com asked should the Detroit Auto Show in January make its return in 2025, a lingering question arises concerning the fate of 2024. They inquired with the show's organizers about this, but Fox2 reports that the exhibition is still slated to occur in mid-September. This scenario would result in a mere three-month gap between the two events, and frankly, it seems challenging to envision.

Meanwhile, breaking from its tradition during the pre-COVID-19 era, the Detroit Auto Show is set to return to its winter schedule. Rod Alberts, the Executive Director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, revealed on Thursday that the forthcoming auto show will kick off with the Red Carpet Charity Preview on January 10, 2025, at Huntington Place.

Notably, there will be no show in 2024. WJR 760 AM provided the latest details about it.

Previous exhibitions held in January attracted approximately 800,000 attendees. Although attendance figures for the two September events were never disclosed by officials, organizers stated in 2022 that they would be satisfied with a turnout of 500,000 visitors.

2023 North American International Show

Stellantis, General Motors, and Ford went all-in at the 2023 North American International Auto Show, commonly known as the Detroit Auto Show, unveiling a total of six significant presentations when the event commenced on September 13.

Stellantis, in the past, confirmed the presentation of new vehicles from Jeep and Ram at the Detroit Auto Show 2023. Rick Deneau, Stellantis' head of product and brand communications, expressed anticipation about debuting Ram and Jeep models in their hometown.

The Ram 1500 REV was indeed exhibited, and there were expectations of obtaining additional details regarding the XR range-extender model. Regarding Jeep, there were hopes of finally naming and unveiling a production-spec version of the electric Wagoneer S concept since no other new releases from the off-road brand were expected at that time.

Reports also mentioned that Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer emphasized the essential role of Michigan in the automotive industry, asserting that Detroit was the place where the future of mobility and electrification was being determined.