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North American International Auto Show facts for kids

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The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., at TCF Center. The show was held in January from 1989 to 2019. It was intended to move to the summer in 2020, but it has been suspended since due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. It is among the largest auto shows in North America. UPI says the show is "regarded as the foremost venue for [car] manufacturers to unveil new products".

Contents

The show begins with press preview days, industry preview days and a charity preview event. The charity preview raises money for local children's charities. In 2004 and 2005, the charity preview attracted 17,500 people at $400 a ticket and raised $7 million in total. 2006 was the sixth consecutive year the charity preview event raised over $6 million. 35,711 tickets were sold for the industry preview representing people from 24 countries in 2005 and 6,897 credentialed press from 63 countries. Over 800,000 attended during the days the show was open to the general public in 2018; it is estimated that the show generates a revenue of over $500 million to the local economy.

History

In 1899, William E. Metzger helped organize the Detroit Auto Show, only the second of its kind, after the 1898 Paris Auto Show. An auto show was held in Detroit in 1907 at Beller's Beer Garden at Riverside Park and since then annually except 1941–1953. During the show's first decades of existence it portrayed only a regional focus. In 1957 international carmakers exhibited for the first time.

In 1987, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) proposed it become international. The members of the DADA went to places such as Europe and Japan in the attempt to convince those unveiling their new brands or vehicles in those countries to bring those unveilings to the North American Auto Show. That attempt proved to be successful; the North American Auto Show was then renamed the North American International Auto Show in 1989. The NAIAS was the first (and, until 2006, only) auto show in the United States sanctioned by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles.

Hosted in Detroit, Michigan, for over a century, since 1965, the show has been held at TCF Center (formerly Cobo Center), where it occupies nearly 1 million square feet (93,000 m2) of floor space. Prior to being held at the TCF Center, the show was held at other well known places in the Metro Detroit area, including the Light Guard Armory, Wayne Gardens pavilion, and Michigan State Fairgrounds.

Record attendance was in 2003, with 838,066 attendees. In 2009, attendance was 650,517. In 2016, there were 815,575 in ticketed attendance, after reaching 803,451 in 2015.

Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz were not present at the 2019 edition, following recent absences of other luxury manufacturers like Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo.

In July 2018, plans were announced to move the show from January to June beginning in 2020, in hopes of attracting more visitors and adding outdoor events, with plans for an "auto plaza" around Woodward and Jefferson avenues, in addition to the indoor exhibition at TCF Center. On March 29, 2020, it was announced that the 2020 edition had been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as TCF Center is to be used as a field hospital by FEMA.

In September 2020, plans were announced to move the 2021 show from June to late-September due to the continued pandemic. However, on January 11, 2021 it was announced that the 2021 edition had also been canceled. The NAIAS organizers will hold a shorter, alternate event known as Motor Bella at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, which will be an outdoor enthusiast event running from September 21–26. Executive director Rod Alberts stated that "we cannot ignore the major disruptions caused by the pandemic and the impact it has had on budgets. As such, we will be providing an amazing experience to the media, the auto industry and the public in a cost-effective way."

  • 07NAIAS Detroit coordinates sign

    2007 North American International Auto Show

  • 2009NAIAS

    NAIAS 2009 overlooking the Volkswagen exhibit

Awards

Two major awards are presented at the auto show: the EyesOn Design Awards for Design Excellence, and the Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year Award, which was founded in 1994. At the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards, awarded in the preview period of the auto show, around 55 automotive journalists serve as judges. They evaluate "value, innovation, design, performance, safety, technology and driver satisfaction."

EyesOn Design Awards for Design Excellence

  • 2004: Winners were the Mazda Kabura concept for "Aesthetics & Innovation", the Ferrari FXX prototype for "Functionality", and the Chevrolet Camaro (fifth generation) model for "Concept Implementation".
  • 2007: Winners were the 2007 Chrysler Nassau concept for "Aesthetics & Innovation", the Kia Kue concept for "Functionality", the 2008 Cadillac CTS (second generation) production model for "Concept Implementation", and the Jeep Trailhawk concept for "Spirit of Industrial Design".
  • 2008: The Cadillac CTS concept and the Chrysler ecoVoyager won the awards for concept car and truck. The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V and the BMW X6 received the Design Excellence awards for best production car and truck.
  • 2009: The Audi Sportback and the Cadillac Converj (ELR) won the "Excellence in Design Award" for concept vehicles debuted at the Detroit. The Audi R8 V10 and the BMW Z4 (E89) received the Design Excellence award for production vehicles.
  • 2010: The GMC Granite won the Excellence in Design Award for concept vehicles debuted at the Detroit show and the Audi A8 received the top honor for production vehicles.
  • 2011: The Porsche 918 RSR won for concept vehicles debuted at the Detroit show and the 2011 Audi A6 received the award for production vehicles.
  • 2012: The Lexus LF-LC won the "Excellence in Design Award" for concept vehicles debuted at the Detroit show and the 2013 Ford Fusion received the top honor for production vehicles.
  • 2013: The 2014 Cadillac ELR won the "Production Category" at the Detroit show while the Nissan Resonance concept and the Ford Atlas concept tied for the "Concept Category" award.
  • 2014: The 2015 Ford Mustang won "Best Production Vehicle" while the Volvo Concept XC Coupé took awards for both "Best Concept Vehicle" and "Best Use of Color, Graphics, and Materials".
  • 2015: The Ford GT won "Best Designed Production Vehicle" award while the Buick Avenir was selected as both "Best Concept Vehicle" and "Best Use of Color, Graphics, and Materials" and the Audi Q7 received Best Designed Interior.

Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year Award

  • 2007: The Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Silverado received the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards.
  • 2008: Won by the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and Mazda CX-9.
  • 2009: Won by the Hyundai Genesis and Ford F-150.
  • 2010: Won by the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Transit Connect.
  • 2011: Won by the Chevrolet Volt and Ford Explorer.
  • 2012: Won by the Hyundai Elantra and Range Rover Evoque.
  • 2013: Won by the Cadillac ATS and Ram 1500.
  • 2014: Won by the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Chevrolet Silverado.
  • 2015: Won by the VW Golf/Golf GTI and Ford F-150.
  • 2016: The Honda Civic and Volvo XC90 received the show's North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year awards.
  • 2017: The Chevrolet Bolt, Honda Ridgeline, and Chrysler Pacifica received the show's North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year awards, respectively. This was the first year Truck (pickup trucks and commercial vans) and Utility (SUVs, crossovers, and minivans) were awarded separately.
  • 2018: The Honda Accord, Lincoln Navigator, and Volvo XC60 received the show's North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year awards, respectively.
  • 2019: The Genesis G70, Ram 1500, and Hyundai Kona received the show's North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year awards, respectively.

Years

2021

The 2021 show was to be held in September 2021, but it was cancelled due the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020

The 2020 show was to be held from June 13–20. The 2020 edition was canceled on March 29, 2020 due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

2019

The 2019 show ran from January 19–27 at Cobo Center and opened with the lowering of a 2020 Shelby GT500 from the Cobo Center ceiling. 30 cars launched in the previews, down from 69 in 2018. Among various cars, it displayed new versions of the Kia Soul. Other major attractions included the 2020 Shelby GT500. USA Today noted that Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Jeep and Toyota were all re-introducing discontinued models at the show with the media previews, for example the Toyota Supra and midsize Ford Ranger. Virtual reality displays were utilized by several carmakers. A number of protests took place outside the event regarding Ford's environmental record and GM layoffs.

  • January 12 – Gallery
  • January 14–15 – Press preview
  • January 14–17 – Automobili-D (mobility and autonomy exposition)
  • January 16–17 – Industry preview
  • January 18 – Charity preview
  • January 19–27 – Open to public

Production car introductions

Concept car introductions

  • GAC Group (Trumpchi) Entranze
  • Infiniti QX Inspiration (electric SUV concept)
  • Lexus LC Convertible concept
  • Nissan IMs (EV sports sedan)
  • Workhorse Group SureFly eVTOL Octocopter concept

Race car introductions

At the show, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Group announced a global alliance to collaborate on commercial vans and mid-size pickup trucks, and potentially share EV and autonomous vehicle technology in the future.

2018

The 2018 show took place January 20 to 28 at the Cobo Center. It ran from January 14 to 28. The press preview was extended by one day and the second edition of Automobili-D was extended by three days.

The Washington Post reported that the fastest cars at the 2018 auto show included the 2019 Acura NSX, the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody, the 2019 Nissan GT-R, the 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia, and the 2019 Corvette ZR1.

  • January 14–16 – Press preview
  • January 14–21 – Automobili-D (mobility and autonomy exposition)
  • January 17–18 – Industry preview
  • January 19 – Charity preview
  • January 20–28 – Open to the public

Production car introductions

  • 2019 Acura RDX (prototype)
  • 2019 Audi A7 (US debut)
  • 2019 BMW i8 Coupe (refresh)
  • 2018 BMW X2
  • 2019 Chevrolet Silverado
  • 2019 Ford Edge (refresh), Edge ST
  • 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt
  • 2019 Ford Ranger
  • 2019 Honda Insight (prototype)
  • 2019 Hyundai Veloster (second generation)
  • 2019 Jeep Cherokee (refresh)
  • 2019 Kia Forte sedan
  • 2019 Lamborghini Urus (US debut)
  • 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53, E53 Coupe/Cabriolet
  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  • 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (X166) Grand Edition
  • 2019 Mini Hatch (refresh)
  • 2019 Ram 1500
  • 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom (US debut)
  • 2018 Smart Fortwo ED 10th Anniversary Edition (US debut)
  • 2019 Toyota Avalon
  • 2019 Volkswagen Jetta
  • 2018 Volkswagen Passat GT

Concept car introductions

  • GAC Group (Trumpchi) Enverge
  • Infiniti Q Inspiration
  • Lexus LF-1 Limitless
  • Nissan Xmotion

2017

The 2017 show ran from January 9 to 22. Automobili-D, an exposition dedicated to automotive autonomy and mobility, ran in conjunction with the show on January 8–12. Sam Slaughter served as chairman.

  • January 9–10 – Press preview
  • January 11–12 – Industry preview
  • January 13 – Charity preview
  • January 14–22 – Open to the public

Production car introductions

  • 2018 Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet
  • 2018 Audi SQ5
  • 2017 BMW 5 Series
  • 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
  • 2018 Ford F-150 (refresh)
  • 2018 Ford Mustang (refresh – shown during public days)
  • 2018 GMC Terrain
  • 2018 Honda Odyssey
  • 2018 Kia Stinger
  • 2018 Lexus LS (XF50)
  • 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT (refresh), GT C Coupe
  • 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
  • 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (refresh)
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Night Edition
  • 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • 2017 Ram 1500 Rebel Black
  • 2018 Subaru WRX (refresh)
  • 2018 Toyota Camry
  • 2018 Volkswagen Atlas R-Line
  • 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan (long-wheelbase version)
  • 2018 Volvo V90 (North American debut)

Concept car introductions

  • Audi Q8 concept
  • BMW Concept X2 (North American debut)
  • Ford Transit Connect Hybrid Taxi Prototype
  • Infiniti QX50 Concept
  • Nissan Vmotion 2.0
  • Volkswagen I.D. Buzz

Race car introductions

2016

The 2016 show ran from January 11 to 24. The show drew 5,068 credentialed members of the media from 60 countries during the media preview, with the industry preview afterwards drawing 39,788 visitors from 25 countries and 2,000 companies. Among celebrity visitors was Barack Obama. The first day saw the debut of models like the Lexus LC 500, the new Pacifica minivan, and an Audi hydrogen concept car.

  • January 11–12 – Press preview
  • January 13–14 – Industry preview
  • January 15 – Charity preview
  • January 16–24 – Open to the public

Production car introductions

  • 2017 Audi A4 (North American debut)
  • 2017 Audi A4 allroad quattro
  • 2016 BMW M2
  • 2016 BMW X4 M40i
  • 2016 Buick Envision (North American debut)
  • 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback
  • 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  • Fisker Force 1
  • 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew
  • 2017 Ford Fusion (refresh)
  • 2017 Genesis G90
  • 2017 GMC Acadia
  • 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  • 2016 Infiniti Q50 (refresh)
  • 2017 Infiniti Q60
  • 2016 Infiniti QX60 (refresh)
  • 2017 Kia Forte/Forte5 (refresh)
  • 2018 Lexus LC 500
  • 2017 Lincoln Continental
  • 2017 Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (sedan)
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class (refresh)
  • 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo, Turbo S (991.2)
  • 2017 Smart Fortwo Cabrio (North American debut)
  • 2017 Volvo S90

Concept car introductions

2015

The 2015 show ran from January 12 to 25.

  • January 12–13 – Press preview
  • January 14–15 – Industry preview
  • January 16 – Charity preview
  • January 17–25 – Open to the public

Production car introductions

Concept car introductions

  • Buick Avenir
  • Chevrolet Bolt EV
  • Honda FCV Concept (North American debut)
  • Hyundai Santa Cruz Crossover Truck Concept
  • Infiniti Q60 Concept
  • Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE Concept

2014

The 2014 show ran from January 13 to 26.

  • January 13–14 – Press preview
  • January 15–16 – Industry preview
  • January 17 – Charity preview
  • January 18–26 – Open to the public

Production car introductions

  • 2015 Audi A8/S8 (facelift) (North American debut)
  • 2015 Audi Q3 (North American debut)
  • 2014 BMW 2 Series
  • 2015 BMW M3
  • 2015 BMW M4
  • 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe
  • 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
  • 2015 Chrysler 200
  • 2015 Ford F-150
  • 2015 Ford Mustang (auto show debut)
  • 2015 GMC Canyon
  • 2015 Honda Fit
  • 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  • 2015 Lexus RC (North American debut)
  • 2015 Lexus RC F
  • 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG
  • 2015 Mercedes-Benz S600
  • 2015 Porsche 911 Targa
  • 2015 Subaru WRX STI
  • 2015 Volkswagen Golf R (North American debut)

Concept car introductions

  • Acura TLX Prototype
  • Audi allroad shooting brake
  • Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge
  • Kia GT4 Stinger
  • Mercedes-Benz Concept S-Class Coupé (North American debut)
  • Mini John Cooper Works concept
  • Nissan IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO (U.S. debut)
  • Nissan Sport Sedan concept
  • Toyota FT-1
  • Volkswagen Beetle Dune
  • Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Concept
  • Volvo Concept XC Coupe

Race car introductions

  • Acura TLX GT Race Car
  • Chevrolet Corvette C7.R

2013

The 2013 show ran from January 14 to 27.

  • January 14–15 – Press preview
  • January 16–17 – Industry preview
  • January 18 – Charity preview
  • January 19–27 – Open to the public

Production car introductions

  • 2014 Audi R8 (facelift)
  • 2013 Audi RS5 Cabriolet (North American debut)
  • 2014 Audi RS7
  • 2014 Audi SQ5 (gasoline version)
  • Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
  • 2013 BMW 320i (U.S. market debut)
  • 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe
  • 2014 BMW Z4 (E89)
  • 2014 Cadillac ELR
  • 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • 2014 Chevrolet Silverado
  • 2013 Chrysler 300 Motown Edition
  • 2013 Dodge Dart GT
  • 2015 Ford Transit (North American debut)
  • 2014 GMC Sierra
  • 2014 Infiniti Q50
  • 2014 Jeep Compass
  • 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee (facelift)
  • 2014 Kia Cadenza (North American debut)
  • 2014 Lexus IS
  • 2014 Maserati Quattroporte
  • 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
  • 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (facelift)
  • 2014 Mini John Cooper Works Paceman
  • 2014 Nissan Versa Note (North American debut)
  • 2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
  • 2013 Shelby Focus ST
  • 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line
  • 2014 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line

Concept car introductions

  • Acura MDX pre-production concept
  • Acura NSX Concept (updated 2013 version with interior)
  • BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe
  • Fiat 500 Abarth "Tenebra" and "Cattiva" design concepts
  • Ford Atlas
  • Honda Urban SUV Concept
  • Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis
  • Lincoln MKC concept
  • Nissan Resonance
  • Toyota Corolla Furia
  • Volkswagen Crossblue
  • Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept

Chevrolet also displayed five models sold outside the United States: the Onix, Orlando, Sail, Spin, and Trax.

2012

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

The 2012 show ran from January 9 to 22.

  • January 9–10 – Press preview
  • January 11–12 – Industry preview
  • January 13 – Charity preview
  • January 14–22 – Open to the public

Nissan returned to the show after a three-year absence.

Bryan Herta was presented with the Baby Borg trophy for the 2011 Indianapolis 500 during the show, which coincided with the promotion of the return of the IZOD IndyCar Series to Detroit later in June. A replica Baby Borg was also presented to Suzie Wheldon, the widow of the winning driver of the race.

Production car introductions

  • 2013 Acura RDX
  • 2013 Audi A4
  • 2013 Audi S4
  • 2013 Audi allroad
  • 2012 Bentley Continental GT V8
  • 2012 BMW 3 Series (North American debut)
  • 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 3
  • 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5
  • 2013 Buick Encore
  • 2013 Cadillac ATS
  • 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS
  • 2012 Chrysler 200 Super S
  • 2012 Dodge Charger Redline
  • 2013 Dodge Dart
  • 2013 Ford Fusion
  • 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe (North American debut)
  • 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
  • 2013 Lexus LX
  • 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  • 2012 Mini Roadster
  • 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera/Carrera S Cabriolet
  • 2013 Scion FR-S (North American debut)
  • 2013 Subaru BRZ (U.S. debut)
  • 2012 Toyota Prius c (North American debut)
  • 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Concept car introductions

  • Acura ILX concept
  • Acura NSX concept
  • Audi Q3 Vail
  • Chevrolet Code 130R
  • Chevrolet Tru 140S
  • Chrysler 700C
  • Ford Evos (North American debut)
  • Honda Accord Coupe concept
  • Lexus LF-LC
  • Lincoln MKZ concept
  • Maserati Kubang (North American debut)
  • Nissan e-NV200 Concept
  • Nissan Pathfinder concept
  • smart Forus
  • Toyota NS4
  • Volkswagen E-Bugster
  • Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid

2011

The 2011 show ran from January 10 to 23.

  • January 10–11 – Press preview
  • January 12–13 – Industry preview
  • January 14 – Charity preview
  • January 15–23 – Open to the public

Porsche returned to the show for the first time since 2007. A new "Smarter Living in Michigan" section showcased alternative energy technologies outside of the automotive sector, in addition to an electric vehicle track condensed from its 2010 size.

Production car introductions

  • 2012 Audi A6
  • 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe
  • 2012 BMW 6 Series (F12) Convertible
  • 2012 Buick Verano
  • 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  • 2011 Chrysler 300
  • 2012 Ford C-Max (North American debut – production plans canceled)
  • 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  • 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  • 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  • 2011 Jeep Compass
  • 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec
  • 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in
  • 2012 Toyota Prius V
  • 2012 Volkswagen Passat (North American version)

Concept car introductions

2010

The 2010 show ran from January 11 to 24.

  • January 11–12 – Press preview
  • January 13–14 – Industry preview
  • January 15 – Charity preview
  • January 16–24 – Open to the public

A new "Electric Avenue" section showcased electric vehicles from around the world, including some entrants for the Automotive X-Prize. Saab, Hummer, Infiniti, Suzuki, and Porsche did not attend the 2010 show. Nissan and Mitsubishi did not have regular floor space, but the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i MiEV appeared in the Electric Avenue section. A small electrical fire at the Audi exhibit caused an evacuation on January 21. Nobody was hurt.

Production car introductions

  • 2011 BMW 740i/Li (North American debut)
  • 2011 BMW Z4 (E89) sDrive35is
  • 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
  • 2011 Ford Focus
  • 2011 Ford Mustang GT
  • 2011 Ford Mustang Boss 302R
  • 2011 GMC Acadia Denali
  • 2011 Honda CR-Z
  • 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2010 Jeep Liberty Renegade
  • 2010 Jeep Wrangler Islander / Mountain editions
  • 2011 Lincoln MKX
  • 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
  • Revenge Verde supercar

Concept car introductions

2009

The 2009 show ran from January 11 to 25.

  • January 11–13 – Press days
  • January 14–15 – Industry days
  • January 16 – Charity preview
  • January 17–25 – Open to the public

Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Rolls-Royce, Land Rover, Ferrari, and Porsche did not attend the 2009 auto show, the largest number of non-returning automakers in the show's history. As a result, the show became the first with Chinese automakers (BYD and Brilliance) exhibited on the main floor.

Production car introductions

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was announced and shown to invited members of the press, but was not put on public display until the March 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

GM also announced the production of the Chevrolet Spark mini-car (previously shown as the Chevrolet Beat concept), for sale in Europe in 2010 and North America in 2011, as well as the Chevrolet Orlando compact MPV, for sale in North America in 2011. The Spark will be shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Concept car introductions

  • Audi Sportback concept
  • Cadillac Converj
  • Chevrolet Orlando concept (North American debut)
  • Chrysler 200C EV
  • Dodge Circuit EV
  • Fisker Karma S Concept
  • Jeep Patriot EV
  • Kia Soul'ster
  • Lincoln C
  • Mercedes-Benz BlueZero concepts
    • E-Cell (electric)
    • E-Plus (plug-in hybrid), 100 km electric-only range
    • F-Cell (fuel cell)
  • Subaru Legacy concept
  • Toyota FT-EV
  • Volkswagen Concept BlueSport
  • Volvo S60 concept

2008

The 2008 show ran from January 13 to 27.

  • January 13–15 – Press days
  • January 16–17 – Industry days
  • January 18 – Charity preview
  • January 19–27 – Open to the public

Production car introductions

  • 2009 Audi TTS
  • 2008 BMW 1 Series Convertible (North American debut)
  • 2009 BMW 335d (North American debut)
  • 2009 BMW X5 (E70) xDrive35d
  • 2009 BMW X6
  • 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
  • 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1
  • 2009 Dodge Ram
  • 2009 Ford F-150
  • 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  • 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
  • 2009 Kia Borrego
  • 2009 Mazda RX-8
  • 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (North American debut)
  • 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
  • 2008 Scion xB RS 5.0 ("Mica Gold")
  • 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2-Mode Hybrid
  • 2009 Subaru Forester
  • 2009 Toyota Venza
  • 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC

Concept car introductions

2007

The 2007 show was held from January 7 to 21.

  • January 7–9 – Press days
  • January 10–11 – Industry days
  • January 12 – Charity preview
  • January 13–21 – Open to the public

Production car introductions

Concept car introductions

  • Acura Advanced Sports Car concept
  • Audi Q7 V12 TDI concept (North American introduction)
  • Changfeng Liebao CS7 concept
  • Changfeng Liebao CS6 concept
  • Changfeng Feibao CT5 concept
  • Changfeng UU-CT3 concept
  • Changfeng rhombus concept car
  • Chevrolet Camaro Convertible concept
  • Chevrolet Volt
  • Chrysler Nassau
  • Dodge Viper SRT-10 Mopar concept
  • Ford Airstream
  • Ford Interceptor
  • Honda Accord Coupe concept
  • Hummer H3 Open-Top concept
  • Jaguar C-XF (Concept XF)
  • Jeep Trailhawk
  • Kia Kue
  • Lexus LF-A (updated concept)
  • Lincoln MKR concept
  • Mazda Ryuga
  • Mercedes-Benz Vision GL420 Bluetec
  • Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive
  • Mitsubishi Prototype-X (Lancer Evolution Prototype)
  • Nissan Bevel
  • Saab 9-3 BioPower Hybrid concept
  • Suzuki Flix
  • Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports concept
  • Volvo XC60 concept
  • Volvo BeeVan

GM also displayed five "global" concept cars for the first time in North America: Chevrolet T2X, Chevrolet WTCC, Holden Efijy, Opel Antara GTC, and Saab Aero-X.

2006

The 2006 show was held from January 8 to 22.

  • January 8–10 – Press days
  • January 11–12 – Industry days
  • January 13 – Charity preview
  • January 14–22 – Open to the public

Production car introductions

Concept car introductions

  • Aston Martin Rapide concept
  • Acura RDX prototype
  • Audi Roadjet
  • BMW X3 Hybrid Efficient Dynamics concept
  • Buick Enclave concept
  • Chevrolet Camaro concept (AutoWeek "Best In Show")
  • Chrysler Imperial concept
  • Dodge Challenger concept (AutoWeek "Best Concept")
  • Ford F-250 Super Chief
  • Ford Iosis (North American introduction)
  • Ford Reflex
  • Hyundai HCD9 Talus
  • Infiniti G35 Coupe concept
  • Jeep Patriot concept
  • Kia Soul
  • Lamborghini Miura concept
  • Lincoln MKS concept
  • Maybach Exelero
  • Mazda Kabura concept
  • Mazda Mazda5 hydrogen rotary concept
  • Mini Concept Detroit
  • Mitsubishi Concept-CT MIEV
  • Nissan Urge (AutoWeek "Most Fun"), with built in Xbox 360
  • Saab 9-5 Aero BioPower concept
  • Subaru B5-TPH
  • Toyota F3R
  • Volvo C30 concept

2005

Production car introductions

Concept car introductions

  • Chrysler Firepower
  • Ford Explorer Sport Trac Concept
  • Ford Fairlane Concept
  • Ford Shelby GR-1
  • Ford SYNUS
  • General Motors Sequel
  • GMC Graphyte
  • Infiniti Kuraza
  • Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe Concept
  • Jeep Gladiator (2005 concept)
  • Jeep Hurricane
  • Kia KCD-II Mesa
  • Lexus LF-A concept
  • Mazda MX-Crossport
  • Mercury Meta One
  • Nissan AZEAL
  • Opel Astra hybrid concept
  • Saturn Aura concept
  • Saturn Sky concept
  • Suzuki Concept X
  • Toyota FT-SX
  • Volkswagen New Beetle Ragster
  • Volvo 3CC

2004

The 2004 show was held from January 10 to 19.

Production car introductions

Concept car introductions

2003

The 2003 show was held from January 11 to 20.

Production car introductions

Concept car introductions

  • Aston Martin AMV8 Vantage
  • Audi Pikes Peak
  • BMW xActivity
  • Buick Centieme
  • Cadillac Sixteen
  • Chevrolet Cheyenne
  • Chevrolet SS (2003 concept)
  • Dodge Avenger (2003 concept)
  • Dodge Durango (concept)
  • Dodge Kahuna
  • Dodge Tomahawk V10 'motorcycle'
  • Ford 427
  • Ford Freestyle FX
  • Ford Model U
  • Ford Mustang GT (2003 concept)
  • Infiniti Triant
  • Kia KCD-1 Slice
  • Lincoln Navicross
  • Matra P75
  • Mazda Washu
  • Mercury Messenger
  • Mitsubishi Tarmac Spyder
  • Pontiac G6 (concept)
  • Toyota Fine-S

2002

Production car introductions

  • 2003 Audi A4 Cabriolet
  • 2002 Bentley Arnage T
  • 2004 Cadillac XLR
  • 2003 Ford Expedition
  • 2003 Honda Pilot
  • 2003 Infiniti G35
  • 2003 Lexus GX 470
  • 2002 Maserati Coupé
  • 2003 Mazda6
  • 2003 Mazda RX-8 (North American debut)
  • 2003 Range Rover
  • 2003 Subaru Baja
  • 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  • 2003 Volvo XC90

Concept car introductions

  • Acura RD-X concept
  • Cadillac Cien
  • Chevrolet Bel Air concept
  • Chrysler Pacifica concept
  • Dodge M80
  • Dodge Ram SRT-10 concept
  • Dodge Razor
  • Ford GT40
  • Ford Mighty F-350 Tonka
  • Infiniti FX45 concept
  • Isuzu Axiom SXR, SXT
  • Jeep Compass concept
  • Lincoln Continental concept
  • Mercedes-Benz Vision GST
  • Mitsubishi SUP (Sports Utility Pack)
  • Nissan Quest concept
  • Pontiac Solstice concept
  • Saab 9-3X concept
  • Toyota ccX
  • Volkswagen Magellan

2001

Production car introductions

Concept car introductions

  • BMW X-Coupe
  • Chrysler Crossfire
  • Cunningham C7
  • Dodge Super 8 Hemi
  • Honda Model X
  • Infiniti FX45
  • Jeep Willys
  • Mitsubishi RPM 7000
  • Nissan alpha-T
  • Oldsmobile Alero, Aurora, Intrigue Zebra Show Vehicle
  • Volkswagen Microbus
  • Volvo ACC
  • Volvo SCC

2000

Concept car introductions

  • Dodge Viper GTS-R Concept
  • Ford Equator
  • GMC Terradyne
  • Honda Spocket
  • Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA

1999

Concept car introductions

  • Cadillac Evoq
  • Chevrolet Nomad concept
  • Dodge Charger concept
  • Ford Thunderbird
  • Jeep Commander concept
  • Lincoln Blackwood
  • Mercedes-Benz Vision SLR concept
  • Mercury My concept
  • Nissan 240Z concept
  • Oldsmobile Recon
  • Pontiac Aztek concept
  • Pontiac GTO concept

1998

Production car introductions

  • Aston Martin DB7 "Alfred Dunhill"
  • Chrysler 300M
  • Chrysler LHS
  • Dodge Dakota R/T Club Cab
  • Dodge Dakota R/T Regular Cab
  • Ford Ranger
  • Ford NASCAR Taurus
  • GMC Jimmy 5-door
  • GMC Yukon Denali
  • Isuzu Amigo
  • Isuzu Rodeo
  • Isuzu Trooper
  • Lexus RX300
  • Mercedes-Benz ML430
  • Mercedes-Benz CLK430
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Oldsmobile Alero
  • Pontiac Grand Am
  • Saab 9-3
  • Subaru Legacy SUS
  • Toyota Camry Solara Coupe
  • Volkswagen New Beetle

Concept car introductions

  • Aston Martin Project Vantage
  • Dodge TekQua
  • Dodge Big Red Truck
  • Dodge Intrepid ESX2
  • Buick Signia
  • Chevrolet Monte Carlo Intimidator
  • Chevrolet Guts Truck
  • Chevrolet Silverado Show Truck
  • Chrysler Chronos
  • Jeep Jeepster
  • Mitsubishi SST
  • Oldsmobile Bravada X-Scape
  • Plymouth Pronto Spyder
  • Pontiac Montana Thunder
  • Ford P2000 DIATA
  • Ford Alpe Limited
  • Ford Courier F1
  • General Motors EV1 parallel hybrid
  • General Motors EV1 CNG
  • General Motors EV1 fuel cell
  • General Motors EV1 Electric
  • Mobility Outfitters Gear Box Concept
  • GMC Sierra ACE Show Truck
  • Acura TL-X Concept
  • Audi Allroad Quattro Concept
  • Honda MV-99
  • BMW R1200C Sidecar Concept
  • Suzuki SUP-1
  • Karmann AFB Concept

1997

Production car introductions

Concept car introductions

  • CCS Solstice
  • Chrysler Phaeton
  • Dodge Copperhead
  • Ford Tremor
  • Hyundai Tiburon Convertible Concept
  • Jeep Dakar
  • Jeep Icon
  • Karmann Open View
  • Lexus HPS
  • Mercury MC4
  • Oldsmobile Alero Alpha Concept
  • Plymouth Pronto
  • Pontiac Rageous
  • Volkswagen Coupe Study CJ

1996

Concept car introductions

  • Ford Indigo
  • Ford Synergy 2010
  • Lincoln Sentinel

1995

This edition featured 52 new vehicles, including 39 worldwide introductions.

Production car introductions

Concept car introductions

  • Acura CL-X
  • Buick XP2000
  • Chrysler Atlantic Concept
  • Dodge Avenger RT Concept
  • Eagle Jazz Concept
  • Ford GT90
  • Ford Triton Concept
  • Ford Windstar SHO-Star Concept
  • Hyundai HCD-III
  • Lincoln L2K Concept
  • Oldsmobile Antares Concept
  • Plymouth Backpack
  • Pontiac Grand Prix 300GPX Concept

1994

Production car introductions

Concept car introductions

  • ASC GMC Sunoma
  • ASC Chrysler 300
  • ASC Crown Victoria LSS
  • Cadillac LSE
  • Chrysler Aviat
  • Dodge Venom
  • Eagle Vision Aerie
  • Ford Ranger Sea Splash
  • Ford Powerstroke (Power Stroke)
  • Lincoln Contempra
  • Mercury Premys
  • Plymouth Expresso
  • Pontiac Sunfire Speedster
  • Volkswagen Concept 1

1993

Production car introductions

Concept car introductions

  • Cadillac Seville Coupe Concept by ASC
  • Chevrolet Highlander Concept
  • Chevrolet Corvette LT-1 Spyder by ASC
  • Chevrolet Bass Sport Concept
  • Chrysler Thunderbolt Concept
  • Chrysler Patriot Concept
  • Dodge Ram Sport V10 Concept
  • Ford Ranger Open-Air Flare Concept by ASC
  • GMC Santa Fe Concept
  • Hyundai HCD-II Epoch Concept
  • Jeep ECCO
  • Mazda Cubist
  • Mercedes-Benz "Panorama Roof" SL Concept
  • Mercury Villager Nautica Concept
  • Plymouth Prowler Concept
  • Porsche Boxster Concept
  • Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Concept
  • Saturn Coupe + Roadster Concept by ASC

1992

Production car introductions

  • Audi 100CS Quattro
  • Audi Cabriolet
  • BMW E36 3 Series coupes
  • Chrysler Concorde
  • Chrysler New Yorker
  • Dodge Intrepid
  • Eagle Vision
  • Cadillac Allante
  • Cadillac Allante Pace Car
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Mercedes-Benz S600 Coupe
  • Honda Civic CRX
  • Mazda MX-6
  • Toyota Camry SE
  • Porsche 911 Carrera RS America
  • Saturn SW
  • Lamborghini LM American

Concept car introductions

  • Buick Sceptre
  • Chevrolet Lumina Sizigi Concept
  • Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray III Concept
  • Chrysler Cirrus Concept
  • Dodge EPIC
  • Ford Connecta (Ghia)
  • Ford F-150 SuperFlare Concept
  • General Motors Ultralite
  • Hyundai HCD-1
  • Lincoln Marque X
  • Oldsmobile Anthem
  • Pontiac Salsa
  • Pontiac Salsa Sport

1991

1990

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

Concept car introductions

  • Acura NSX
  • ASC Vision II
  • Buick Bolero
  • Buick Park Avenue
  • Cadillac Aurora
  • Chevrolet Corvette CERV III
  • C&C LSV
  • C&C Tresaire
  • Dodge Daytona R/T
  • Dodge LRT
  • Eagle Optima
  • Ford Surf
  • Geo Tracker Hugger
  • GM Micro Concept
  • GMC Mahalo
  • Jeep Freedom
  • Jeep Rubicon Wrangler
  • Mercury Cyclone
  • Nissan Gobi
  • Oldsmobile Expression
  • Plymouth Voyager 3
  • Pontiac Sunfire

1989

The Detroit Auto Show was renamed the North American International Auto Show for 1989, as Lexus and Infiniti debuted. The show opened on January 11, with press previews and introductions for the first two days.

Production car introductions

Concept car introductions

  • Chevrolet PPG XT-2 Concept
  • Chrysler Millenium Concept
  • Chrysler PPG Le Baron Pace Car Concept
  • Dodge Viper VM-01 Concept
  • Mercury Concept 50
  • Oldsmobile Aerotech II
  • Oldsmobile Aerotech III
  • Plymouth Speedster Concept
  • Pontiac Stinger Concept

1987

The 1987 show ran from January 10 to 18.

Production models introductions

  • Cadillac Allanté

Concept cars introductions

  • Dodge Daytona 199x
  • Pontiac Pursuit
  • Chevrolet Express Concept
  • Oldsmobile Aerotech I Long Tail
  • Oldsmobile Aerotech I Short Tail

Images for kids

  • North American International Auto Show logo

    North American International Auto Show logo

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