TCF Center in downtown Detroit is usually flush with cars, media, and auto enthusiasts from around the world in January, but the North American International Auto Show will have a much different feel this year as it moves to the summer.
The void in Detroit may pay dividends for smaller events like the Toledo Auto Show, which opens to the public Thursday at the SeaGate Convention Centre and runs through Feb. 9.
Kelly Danison, director of events for the Ohio Auto Dealers Association, said attendance was up last year and believes the Toledo show can take advantage of Detroit's decision to move away from late January.
What: Toledo Auto Show
Where: SeaGate Convention Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave.
When: Feb. 6 - 9
Hours: Thursday 3 - 9 p.m., Friday noon - 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tickets: $8 at the box office; $6 online
"A lot of these new models are just getting launched and some got launched at the end of last year," Ms. Danison said. "We've already had vehicles named the North American car, truck, and SUV of the year. So in this area, we're one of the first chances for consumers to check them out."
As the auto industry and consumerism continue to change, so are auto shows. It's no longer necessary for car companies to debut new models at extravagant shows thanks to the internet and social media.
READ: The Blade’s Toledo Auto Show Special Section
Cars.com Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman attends the Detroit show each year. He said moving to June was something that needed to be done.
"Detroit was always considered the first show of the season and really kicked off the auto show circuit globally," Mr. Bragman said. "But it was definitely time for a change. You could see what was happening at the show. There was less and less participation, especially from the international automakers."
The 2019 show drew about 774,000 people, according to the Detroit News. That number was down 35,000 from 2018. There were also about half as many new car reveals last year compared to 2018.
European brands are part of the draw, both for fans and international media. However, German manufacturers Audi, BMW, and Mercedes Benz were nowhere to be found last year in Detroit. NAIAS spokesman Brent Snavely said discussions are ongoing with the German automakers for 2020.
Mr. Bragman believes it will be a challenge to bring them back, mostly due to costs.
"It's the cost of the show itself and the fees it charges, the cost of construction and materials, the logistics of getting these cars into and out of a certain place," he said. "You have to hire staff for the booth. So these automakers spend millions of dollars on these displays and the return on their investment in terms of publicity just isn't as high."
Some manufacturers are starting to hold private debuts for a fraction of the cost. Chevrolet rolled out the new C8 Corvette last year in Tustin, Calif., at a private one-day event.
John Yark, president of Yark Automotive Group, is a frequent NAIAS visitor. He's excited for the big changes to the Detroit format.
"The internet has really given consumers a great opportunity to research vehicles before they even start looking at them in person," Mr. Yark said. "Part of what I think they're striving for with the changes they're making is to have more options for customers to actually get in vehicles and test drive them, and see them outside performing. It's going to be a greatly expanded footprint for the actual show, so it's something I think is driven to give consumers more of what they're looking for."
One of the big changes announced is the inaugural Motor Bella, a European supercar festival June 5-8 to kick off the show. The four-day outdoor event will be held on Broadway Street next to the Detroit Opera House and will feature food and culture from the region.
Cars from Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and others will be on display. Mr. Snavely said Motor Bella would be almost impossible in January.
"Moving the show to June opens up a lot more possibilities and creative ways for the show to present cars and technology to everyone who attends," Mr. Snavely said. "Why not show off Detroit when it's shining instead of when it's gray and cold?"
The public portion of the show runs June 13-20, and Mr. Snavely said the show will contain more test-driving opportunities and engagement. He expects a minimum of 20-25 global vehicle reviews, but that number should grow over the next several months.
He said automakers have told organizers they are excited about the new dates and events.
"Auto shows in general are changing," Mr. Snavely said. "There are changes happening because automakers want to reveal cars differently than they have in the past. And on the consumer end, [there are changes] because of new and evolving technology and expectations."
Detroit will no longer mark the first major show of the year, but Mr. Bragman said he still expects plenty of news to come out of the Motor City this summer. Automakers no longer reveal their new models strictly at the beginning of the year.
"There's no more set definition of when a model year starts and stops anymore," Mr. Bragman said. "It's unusual, but a sign that this industry is changing in so many ways."
For a schedule of events and ticket information for the NAIAS, visit naias.com. Mr. Snavely said “stay tuned” for more announcements.
The Toledo Auto Show will feature 23 manufacturers and about 200 vehicles on display. Patrons will have a chance to win a two-year lease on a Toyota Corolla.
There will also be several Jeeps on display, both newer models and classics, courtesy of Jeep Fest.
First Published February 1, 2020, 11:45 p.m.
