Detroit Auto Show reportedly moving back to January

Before it was the show with the giant duck, the Detroit Auto Show was known for many other things — biting winds, slippery roads and driving snow among them. But winter in Detroit gave the show character and in turn, the show gave Detroiters (and the automotive world at large) something to look forward to during the crisp daylight of Midwestern January. And if The Detroit News (paywalled) is correct, it may well again. 

While neither the show’s organizers nor any others involved have officially confirmed the show’s move from September back to January, the paper’s two sources reportedly indicated that the decision was made after show organizers struggled to attract families during the frenzy of back-to-school season (the 2023 show was held Sept. 16-24). Sources have told Fox 2 Detroit the same thing. An announcement is expected to be forthcoming. 

A move back to January would eliminate one of the key advantages of a September show: a hospitable outdoor environment. If you’ll remember, that was the goal of organizers when they first announced the show would move prior to Covid. But September wasn’t the goal; June was. After that effort went for naught due to the pandemic, organizers then aimed for a later slot in 2021. That also fell through, but the Motor Bella event that replaced it set the precedent for its eventual return in September 2022. 

The September weather allowed the show to spill over into downtown Detroit’s outdoor spaces. While seeing the 2024 Mustang revealed in Hart Plaza was certainly cool, we’d be content to see the show move back if it means we see more from the Detroit Three.