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North American International Auto Show facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
North American International Auto Show logo
North American International Auto Show logo

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), also called the Detroit Auto Show, is a big yearly event where new cars are shown off. It takes place in Detroit, Michigan, USA, at a place called Huntington Place. For many years, the show was held in January. It was supposed to move to summer in 2020, but it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It finally returned in September 2022. This show is one of the largest car shows in North America. Many car makers use it to show their newest cars for the very first time.

The show starts with special days for reporters and people from the car industry. There's also a special charity event that raises money for local children's charities. For example, in 2004 and 2005, this event raised $7 million! In 2018, over 800,000 people visited the show when it was open to the public. It's thought that the show brings in over $500 million for the local economy.

Contents

History of the Detroit Auto Show

In 1899, William E. Metzger helped organize the first Detroit Auto Show. It was only the second car show ever, after the one in Paris in 1898. A car show has been held in Detroit almost every year since 1907, except for a break from 1941 to 1953. For a long time, it was mostly a local show. But in 1957, car companies from other countries started to show their vehicles there.

Becoming an International Event

In 1987, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) decided to make the show international. They visited places like Europe and Japan to convince car makers to show their new models in Detroit. This worked! So, in 1989, the Detroit Auto Show was renamed the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). It was the first car show in the U.S. to be approved by a big international car organization called the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles.

Since 1965, the show has been held at Huntington Place (which used to be called Cobo Center). It uses almost 1 million square feet (about 93,000 square meters) of space! Before that, it was held at other famous places in the Detroit area.

The show had its highest number of visitors in 2003, with 838,066 people attending. In 2016, over 815,000 people bought tickets.

Recent Changes and Cancellations

Some luxury car brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz didn't attend the 2019 show. Other brands like Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo had also stopped coming.

In 2018, there were plans to move the show from January to June starting in 2020. The idea was to attract more visitors and add outdoor events. They even planned an outdoor festival called "Motor Bella" to show off European supercars. However, the 2020 show was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The TCF Center (Huntington Place) was even used as a hospital at that time.

The 2021 show was also cancelled due to the pandemic. Instead, the NAIAS organizers held a smaller outdoor event called Motor Bella in Pontiac, Michigan. This event ran from September 21–26. The show's director, Rod Alberts, said they needed to find a cheaper way to offer a great experience because of the pandemic's impact on budgets.

The NAIAS finally returned to downtown Detroit in September 2022. The show is expected to go back to its original January schedule in 2025, which means there won't be a show in 2024.

Recent Auto Show Editions

2023 Show Highlights

The 2023 show took place from September 16–24. Special preview days were held on September 13th and 15th. The charity preview on the 15th featured a performance by Jennifer Hudson.

Interestingly, the show happened at the same time as the start of the 2023 United Auto Workers strike. This strike targeted Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, which are the three biggest car makers at the show. The UAW union held a rally outside, but they didn't try to stop people from going to the show.

For 2023, the show went back to being completely indoors. All three Detroit car makers (GM, Ford, Stellantis) were there, along with Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Some car makers who didn't have their own big displays still had their new cars shown in a special area.

A cool new feature in 2023 was a large indoor test track. Visitors could ride in new electric vehicles from GM, Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, and Tesla. This track, called the Powering Michigan EV Experience, had a long strip for showing off how fast EVs can go and a winding course to show how well they handle. This was Tesla's first time at NAIAS since 2015! Also, the special off-road tracks for Ford, Jeep, and Ram trucks were back.

New Cars Introduced in 2023

  • 2025 Cadillac CT5 (updated look)
  • 2024 Ford F-150 (updated look)
  • 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally (first time at a car show)
  • 2024 GMC Acadia
  • 2024 Jeep Gladiator (updated look)

2022 Show Highlights

The full NAIAS returned to Huntington Place in 2022, running from September 17–25. The media preview was on September 14th, and the charity preview on September 16th. U.S. President Joe Biden visited the media preview. The charity preview had a performance by Nile Rodgers & Chic.

The 2022 show had a new design. The main car displays were indoors, and other events were held outdoors in nearby Hart Plaza. Stellantis, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, and Subaru had the biggest displays. Other car makers had smaller displays or just showed their new cars without a full exhibit.

The interactive test tracks were back from the Motor Bella event. Visitors could ride in Ford and Stellantis vehicles. Ford's track showed off the Ford F-150 Lightning's speed and the Ford Bronco's off-road skills. Stellantis had two tracks: one for off-roading with Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, and another for Ram pickup trucks. These rides were included with the show ticket.

Stellantis even rented the World's Largest Rubber Duck for the show! It stood outside Huntington Place, celebrating a fun trend among Jeep owners.

New Cars Introduced in 2022

  • 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Performance Edition
  • 2023 Chrysler 300C
  • 2024 Ford Mustang
  • 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary Edition
  • 2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe
  • 2023 Lincoln Corsair (updated look)
  • 2023 Toyota Crown (first time at a car show)

Concept Cars Introduced in 2022

  • Lincoln Star (first time at a car show)

2021: Motor Bella Event

The full NAIAS for September 2021 was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the organizers held an outdoor event called Motor Bella at the M-1 Concourse in Pontiac from September 21–26.

New Cars Introduced in 2021

2020 Show (Cancelled)

The 2020 show was planned for June 13–20, but it was cancelled in March 2020 due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

2019 Show Highlights

The 2019 show was held from January 19–27. It started with a 2020 Shelby GT500 being lowered from the ceiling! About 30 new cars were shown for the first time. New versions of the Kia Soul and the 2020 Shelby GT500 were big attractions. USA Today noted that Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Jeep, and Toyota were bringing back older models, like the Toyota Supra and the mid-size Ford Ranger. Some car makers used virtual reality displays. There were also protests outside the event about Ford's environmental record and GM layoffs.

New Cars Introduced in 2019

2018 Show Highlights

The 2018 show took place from January 20 to 28. It included special days for the press and industry. The Washington Post reported on some of the fastest cars shown, like the 2019 Acura NSX and the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody.

New Cars Introduced in 2018

2017 Show Highlights

The 2017 show ran from January 9 to 22. A special event called Automobili-D was held at the same time, focusing on self-driving cars and new ways to get around.

New Cars Introduced in 2017

2016 Show Highlights

The 2016 show ran from January 11 to 24. Many reporters from 60 countries attended. Even Barack Obama visited! On the first day, new models like the Lexus LC 500 and a new Pacifica minivan were shown.

New Cars Introduced in 2016

2015 Show Highlights

The 2015 show ran from January 12 to 25.

New Cars Introduced in 2015

2014 Show Highlights

The 2014 show ran from January 13 to 26.

New Cars Introduced in 2014

2013 Show Highlights

The 2013 show ran from January 14 to 27.

New Cars Introduced in 2013

2012 Show Highlights

The Porsche exhibit stand at the 2012 NAIAS
Porsche exhibit stand at the 2012 NAIAS

The 2012 show ran from January 9 to 22. Nissan returned to the show after three years.

New Cars Introduced in 2012

  • 2013 Acura RDX
  • 2013 Buick Encore
  • 2013 Cadillac ATS
  • 2013 Dodge Dart
  • 2013 Ford Fusion
  • 2013 Lexus LX
  • 2013 Scion FR-S (North American debut)
  • 2013 Subaru BRZ (U.S. debut)

2011 Show Highlights

The 2011 show ran from January 10 to 23. Porsche came back to the show for the first time since 2007. A new section called "Smarter Living in Michigan" showed off new energy technologies.

New Cars Introduced in 2011

  • 2012 Audi A6
  • 2012 Buick Verano
  • 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  • 2011 Chrysler 300
  • 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  • 2012 Volkswagen Passat (North American version)

2010 Show Highlights

The 2010 show ran from January 11 to 24. A new "Electric Avenue" section showed off electric cars from around the world. Some car brands like Saab and Hummer did not attend this year.

New Cars Introduced in 2010

  • 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
  • 2011 Ford Focus
  • 2011 Ford Mustang GT
  • 2011 Honda CR-Z
  • 2011 Lincoln MKX

2009 Show Highlights

The 2009 show ran from January 11 to 25. Many car makers, including Nissan and Porsche, did not attend this year. Because of this, it was the first time Chinese car makers (BYD and Brilliance) had their cars on the main show floor.

New Cars Introduced in 2009

2008 Show Highlights

The 2008 show ran from January 13 to 27.

New Cars Introduced in 2008

  • 2009 BMW X6
  • 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
  • 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1
  • 2009 Dodge Ram
  • 2009 Ford F-150
  • 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  • 2009 Subaru Forester
  • 2009 Toyota Venza

2007 Show Highlights

The 2007 show was held from January 7 to 21.

New Cars Introduced in 2007

2006 Show Highlights

The 2006 show was held from January 8 to 22.

New Cars Introduced in 2006

2005 Show Highlights

New Cars Introduced in 2005

2004 Show Highlights

The 2004 show was held from January 10 to 19.

New Cars Introduced in 2004

2003 Show Highlights

The 2003 show was held from January 11 to 20.

New Cars Introduced in 2003

2002 Show Highlights

New Cars Introduced in 2002

  • 2003 Audi A4 Cabriolet
  • 2004 Cadillac XLR
  • 2003 Ford Expedition
  • 2003 Honda Pilot
  • 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • 2003 Mazda6
  • 2003 Mazda RX-8 (North American debut)
  • 2003 Range Rover
  • 2003 Volvo XC90

2001 Show Highlights

New Cars Introduced in 2001

  • BMW M3 Convertible
  • Ford Thunderbird
  • Jeep Liberty
  • Lexus SC430
  • Subaru Impreza WRX
  • Toyota Matrix

2000 Show Highlights

Concept Cars Introduced in 2000

  • Dodge Viper GTS-R Concept
  • Ford Equator
  • Honda Spocket

1999 Show Highlights

Concept Cars Introduced in 1999

  • Cadillac Evoq
  • Dodge Charger concept
  • Ford Thunderbird
  • Jeep Commander concept
  • Nissan 240Z concept

1998 Show Highlights

New Cars Introduced in 1998

  • Chrysler 300M
  • Dodge Dakota R/T
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Lexus RX300
  • Volkswagen New Beetle

1997 Show Highlights

New Cars Introduced in 1997

  • 1997 Chevrolet Corvette C5
  • 1998 Dodge Durango
  • 1998 Ford Escort ZX2
  • 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK
  • 1998 Subaru Forester
  • 1998 Toyota Sienna

1996 Show Highlights

Concept Cars Introduced in 1996

  • Ford Indigo
  • Lincoln Sentinel

1995 Show Highlights

This show featured 52 new vehicles, with 39 of them being shown for the first time anywhere in the world.

New Cars Introduced in 1995

1994 Show Highlights

New Cars Introduced in 1994

1993 Show Highlights

New Cars Introduced in 1993

1992 Show Highlights

New Cars Introduced in 1992

1991 Show Highlights

Concept Cars Introduced in 1991

1990 Show Highlights

The 1990 Detroit Auto Show was held on January 6–14.

Concept Cars Introduced in 1990

  • Acura NSX
  • Cadillac Aurora
  • Chevrolet Corvette CERV III
  • Dodge Daytona R/T
  • Eagle Optima
  • Nissan Gobi
  • Oldsmobile Expression

1989 Show Highlights

The Detroit Auto Show was renamed the North American International Auto Show in 1989. This was when Lexus and Infiniti first showed their cars. The show opened on January 11.

New Cars Introduced in 1989

1987 Show Highlights

The 1987 show ran from January 10 to 18.

New Cars Introduced in 1987

  • Cadillac Allanté

Awards at the Auto Show

Two important awards are given out at the auto show: the EyesOn Design Awards for Design Excellence, and the Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year Award. The Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year Award started in 1994. About 55 car journalists judge these awards. They look at things like how good the car is for its price, how new and exciting its ideas are, its design, how it performs, its safety, its technology, and how much drivers enjoy it.

EyesOn Design Award winners

  • 2004: The Mazda Kabura concept won for "Aesthetics & Innovation".
  • 2007: The 2007 Chrysler Nassau concept won for "Aesthetics & Innovation".
  • 2008: The Cadillac CTS concept won for concept car. The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V won for best production car.
  • 2009: The Audi Sportback won for concept vehicles. The Audi R8 V10 won for production vehicles.
  • 2010: The GMC Granite won for concept vehicles. The Audi A8 won for production vehicles.
  • 2011: The Porsche 918 RSR won for concept vehicles. The 2011 Audi A6 won for production vehicles.
  • 2012: The Lexus LF-LC won for concept vehicles. The 2013 Ford Fusion won for production vehicles.
  • 2013: The 2014 Cadillac ELR won the "Production Category". The Nissan Resonance concept and the Ford Atlas concept tied for the "Concept Category" award.
  • 2014: The 2015 Ford Mustang won "Best Production Vehicle". The Volvo Concept XC Coupé won "Best Concept Vehicle".
  • 2015: The Ford GT won "Best Designed Production Vehicle". The Buick Avenir was chosen as "Best Concept Vehicle".

Images for kids

  • 07NAIAS Detroit coordinates sign

    2007 North American International Auto Show

  • 2009NAIAS

    NAIAS 2009 overlooking the Volkswagen exhibit

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Salón del Automóvil Internacional de Norteamérica para niños

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