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The long-awaited return of the Detroit Auto Show to its traditional January slot has witnessed a substantial decline in visitor numbers. Only 275,000 people attended the event at Huntington Place last month, marking a significant decrease from previous years. The economic impact is also noted, with projections indicating a lower financial contribution compared to pre-pandemic levels. Despite these challenges, organizers express optimism and emphasize the show's importance to the community.

Reduced Visitor Numbers Highlight Changing Trends

The recent Detroit Auto Show experienced a notable drop in attendance, reflecting broader changes in consumer behavior and industry dynamics. Compared to the 2019 event, which saw nearly 774,000 visitors, the latest edition attracted only 275,000 attendees—a decrease of about 65%. This trend began even before the pandemic, with a steady decline in participation over the past few years. The shift underscores the evolving nature of automotive exhibitions and their relevance in today’s market.

In detail, the 2025 Detroit Auto Show's reduced attendance highlights several factors contributing to this change. The global health crisis significantly impacted public gatherings, leading to a reevaluation of how and when such events are held. Additionally, the move away from the traditional January schedule in recent years may have influenced visitor turnout. Organizers acknowledge that the 2019 event marked a turning point, with a drop of 35,000 visitors from the previous year. Since then, the show has experimented with different dates, including September for the 2022 and 2023 editions. However, the return to January did not bring back the expected crowds, raising questions about the future format and timing of the event.

Economic Impact and Community Engagement Remain Strong

Despite the lower attendance figures, the Detroit Auto Show continues to play a vital role in the local economy and community engagement. The estimated economic impact of the 2025 show is projected at $370 million, down from $430 million in 2019. Nonetheless, the event remains a significant contributor to the city’s financial landscape. Moreover, the Charity Preview, an annual black-tie fundraiser, raised $1.7 million for children’s charities, showcasing the show's commitment to giving back.

The Charity Preview, often referred to as the "auto prom," has been a cornerstone of the Detroit Auto Show since 1976. This year’s event, held on January 11, drew approximately 7,000 attendees and raised funds for six local children’s charities. Although the number of participants was lower than the 10,000 recorded in 2019, the event still managed to generate substantial support. Over the years, the Charity Preview has raised more than $125 million, underscoring its enduring importance to the community. Despite the challenges faced by the auto show, these initiatives highlight the event's ongoing value and its ability to adapt while maintaining its core mission.

For over a century, the Chicago Auto Show has been an iconic event that showcases automotive innovation and design. This year, as the 117th edition prepares to open its doors at McCormick Place, it's worth reflecting on the rich history that has made this show one of the largest and most anticipated events in the United States.

One of the earliest memories associated with the Chicago Auto Show dates back to the 1960s. A Tribune business reporter, who has covered the event for decades, recalls attending his first auto show as a young boy. Fascinated by the muscle cars emerging from Detroit, he and his friends were captivated by the spectacle. The show was held at the International Amphitheatre after a fire destroyed the original McCormick Place in 1967. Despite the crowds and the thick air filled with cigarette smoke, the highlight of the day came when he won a small radio in a drawing—a prize that brought immense joy to the young attendee.

The origins of the Chicago Auto Show trace back to 1901 when it was held at the Chicago Coliseum. At that time, automobiles were still referred to as "horseless carriages," and the exhibition featured about 65 vehicles from various manufacturers. The event attracted nearly 30,000 visitors and generated significant sales, laying the foundation for what would become an annual tradition. Over the years, the show has evolved, moving to different venues and expanding its offerings to include not only new models but also entertainment spectacles like patriotic pageants and celebrity appearances.

In the 1950s, the show became a stage for elaborate presentations, with emcees describing each vehicle as it was driven onto the floor. Ronald Reagan, then a television actor, served as grand marshal in 1954, adding star power to the event. By 1961, the show had moved to the newly constructed McCormick Place, setting new attendance records with almost 800,000 visitors. The introduction of import cars and innovative exhibits further enhanced the experience, making it a must-see event for automotive enthusiasts.

The Chicago Auto Show has always been more than just a display of cars; it represents the spirit of innovation and progress. From the early days of the automobile industry to modern times, the show has adapted to changing tastes and technologies, while maintaining its core mission of bringing together manufacturers and consumers. As we look forward to this year's event, it's clear that the Chicago Auto Show continues to inspire and excite, embodying the best of American ingenuity and ambition.