The Detroit Auto Show bids farewell to summer and relocates to January

The Detroit Auto Show, once famous for winter dates and bitter weather, is returning to its January timeslot in 2025. This decision by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association will bring the show back to its roots, reinvigorating the annual event and giving people a reason to be excited about cars.

Rod Alberts, the executive director of the Detroit Auto Show and Detroit Auto Dealers Association, expressed the organization’s excitement about the move, stating that the January date makes the most sense for creating an impactful event. The return to a winter schedule is also seen as a positive development by the Detroit and Southeast Michigan hospitality community, as it provides an opportunity for an extraordinary show during a time of the year that has not historically been conducive to major meetings and conventions.

The decision to move back to January was prompted by difficulties attracting families during the back-to-school season at the September show. This shift in dates will eliminate the outdoor environment advantage of the September show, as the outdoor spaces provided a unique and hospitable setting for the event. Despite this, the return to a winter schedule will allow for a balance of indoor and outdoor elements, emphasizing new vehicle launches and automotive innovations.

The 2025 Detroit Auto Show will kick off with the Red Carpet Charity Preview on January 10, followed by public days from January 11-20 at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. By returning to its January schedule, the Detroit Auto Show is poised to recapture the spirit and excitement of past shows, offering an unparalleled experience for automotive enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.