Tesla To Join Mini and Land Rover And Sit Out Of 2016 Detroit Auto Show

Tesla Motors Inc. is the most recent automaker to bow out of next month’s 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The California-based electric car manufacturer joins Jaguar, Land Rover and BMW’s Mini as brands opting to drive past the 2016 show after having a presence on the main show of Cobo Center in 2015.

The decision is in-line with comments made by Diarmuid O’Connell, Tesla vice president of business development, on Nov. 20 in Detroit. He said he wasn’t sure if the company would have a presence at the Detroit show.

“The truth is there is a cost associated with being at these shows. And if you’re trying to sell cars, that makes sense,” he told reporters. “Making the huge investments that go into setting up these booths and the staffing over the course of two weeks, particularly in a state like Michigan where we can’t even sell cars, begs some questions.”

Sciros - 12/4/2015 2:54:36 PM

+2 Boost

Fair enough. NAIAS brings money into the Detroit area and considering how Michigan has treated Tesla, it makes sense. A shame because I wanted to see the Model X there, but that's ok I'll see it at a Tesla store soon enough, probably.

vdiv - 12/4/2015 5:34:14 PM

+1 Boost

Not just see it, sit in it and probably drive it too.

Dexter1 - 12/5/2015 11:22:47 AM

+1 Boost

I understand Tesla's position about the huge expense of participating in a car show. But, Mr. O'Connell's comment about Michigan not allowing Tesla to sell cars in that state seems very short sighted. This is an INTERNATIONAL car show, not a state sponsored event. Tesla could benefit from the exposure, especially since their Model X is currently launching.