Are We Witnessing The BEGINNING Of The END For The NAIAS? ANOTHER Automaker Backs Out...

While Agent 001 and I had a ball covering the 2016 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) we were one of the only publications making note of something rather peculiar at this year's show. That would be the fact some of the Detroit show floor was not being occupied by major auto manufacturers. 

There was a massive amount of square feet dedicated to a publication's newsroom and on-camera setup, and then a lifestyle magazine actually had a sizable area on the main floor for super high-end, luxury vehicles. 

It just seemed...wrong. 

Years ago we pondered whether or not it was time for a change with the Detroit Auto Show. Imagine if the auto industry timed a Las Vegas-based show that was timed to work with the Consumer Electronic Show. That way the show gets more exposure and it can leverage CES — auto companies are already significantly increasing their presence at CES. Every year it seems that auto manufacturers are finding it harder to justify the spend required to participate in Detroit. It's almost like car companies are playing musical chairs when it comes to who is going to pull out of the NAIAS on a yearly basis.

If my memory serves me right, I believe Jaguar Land Rover and MINI skipped Detroit this year. For 2017 we've received official confirmation from Porsche that it will not be participating — Los Angeles and New York will be it. 

Who else will be taking a seat for the 2017 NAIAS? If you were an auto exec would you consider a super show that plays off of the major CES event?

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MorePower - 7/27/2016 4:50:04 AM

+3 Boost

Makes sense, go where your customers are!

HoustonMidtown - 7/27/2016 7:06:16 AM

+4 Boost

I have gone many times and it was always a great show - but the weather sucks in Detroit in January - change the date to warmer weather

MDarringer - 7/27/2016 10:03:01 AM

0 Boost

Perhaps the days of big auto shows are over.

With so many vehicles being introduced by manufacturers on the manufacturer's time frame it could be argued that if you want your product to really stand out, then not having it be one of several introduced at a show makes more sense.

Companies don't need a show to get a big "taa daa" moment. Social media to the rescue.

The Los Angeles Auto Show has been a pathetic disaster for years and I'm surprised it has not been cancelled.

Agent00R - 7/27/2016 8:32:23 PM

+3 Boost

Yeah, I am surprised to hear you say it's a disaster. It seems to have carved out a nice little spot in the auto show world.

MBguy - 7/27/2016 7:54:05 PM

+3 Boost

@MDarringer - "The Los Angeles Auto Show has been a pathetic disaster for years and I'm surprised it has not been cancelled."

?? Almost every automaker is there. Major world premiers always happen. More than 100,000 attend... How exactly is this "a disaster?"

Maybe YOU don't find it worthwhile. But it is hardly a disaster.