2021 Detroit auto show dates
— Motor Bella: Sept. 24-26
— The Gallery: Sept. 26
— Press Preview: Sept. 28-29
— AutoMobili-D: Sept. 28-30
— Industry Preview: Sept. 29-30
— Charity Preview: Oct. 1
— Public Show: Oct. 2-9
In addition, October is traditionally a slow time for conferences and trade shows downtown, Alexander said.
“This is a guaranteed piece of gigantic business for the city. We can easily fill the dates in June” with other conventions and shows. “It’s a brilliant move for hotels, restaurants and the hospitality business.”
The future of auto shows is anything but assured as automakers experiment with other ways to unveil new models, but moving to fall leaves Detroit’s signature show uniquely well-positioned in a period when many new vehicles go on sale — and puts several months between NAIAS and its top competitors.
In fact, October was some insiders’ preferred time in 2019, when the show studied alternatives to January.
Associated events, including a preshow display of vehicles from Britain and Italy, and an invitation-only high rollers show of exotic and luxury cars, will fill downtown Detroit Sept. 24-26. News conferences will reveal new vehicles Sept. 28-29, followed by AutoMobili-D’s tech and startup show and industry days. The Charity preview is set for Oct. 1. The show will be open to the public Oct. 2-9.