| Detroit Free Press
After years of trying to reinvent itself as an indoor-outdoor event that would fill downtown Detroit with new cars and automotive festivities, the North American International Auto Show is closing its tent for 2021, moving to the M1 Concourse, a small venture comprised of a race track surrounded by luxury garages in Pontiac.
The new show, renamed Motor Bella, will be “a bridge to the future” of the auto show, according to a statement from the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, which runs the auto show.
Motor Bella will run an abbreviated race from September 21 to 26, considerably less than the original event plan for downtown Detroit from September 24 to October 24. 9. The name “Motor Bella” would be used for a street fair featuring Italian and English luxury and performance models near Detroit’s stadium district.
“This year will be as fluid with event schedules as 2020, especially since the vaccine is slower and more bumpy than expected,” said Michelle Krebs, an analyst at Cox Automotive.
Sources cited concerns that COVID-19 would still be furious about moving to a smaller location, which is entirely outdoors. In addition to the vehicle displays of the automakers, the M1 Concourse will allow events to be held featuring vehicle performance and technology.
Charity event
The smaller event will also have a charity component to make up for the cancellation of Charity Preview, one of Detroit’s most popular tickets and a multi-million dollar benefactor for groups across Southeast Michigan.
“This totally open-air venue, with high-adrenaline track activities and a complete set of OEM and technology exhibits, will offer the sights, sounds and even the scent of everything the new world of mobility has to offer” , DADA executive said director Rod Alberts.
The move is a significant reduction from just three months ago, when the show’s organizers announced an autumn extravaganza at the TCF Center and the surrounding streets, parks and public areas throughout downtown Detroit.
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“While auto shows remain an important platform to promote new mobility innovations and help people make important vehicle buying decisions, the traditional model of the auto show is changing,” said Rod Alberts. “We cannot ignore the major disruptions caused by the pandemic and the impact it has had on budgets. As such, we will be providing an incredible experience for the media, the auto industry and the public in an economical way. “
In addition to a 2.4-kilometer runway, the M1 offers space to demonstrate the vehicles’ off-road skill. Bella Motor will include 1.6 million square feet of screens and demos.
This marks the second year that major US auto shows have been destroyed by COVID-19. The Chicago Auto Show, which traditionally takes place in February, is seeking government approval to take place in April. The Los Angeles show, which announced a change from autumn to spring a few months ago, may be on thin ice, as Los Angeles remains a hot spot for viruses. The LA show is scheduled for May 21-31.
If Detroit’s decision serves as a guide, the 2021 New York Auto Show, scheduled for the Javits Center in Manhattan from 20-29 August, may also be in danger.
Impact in the center
The show’s organizers will say nothing about the future, or whether the name of the North American International Auto Show will remain alive.
“We are very aware of the importance and impact that our show and events have on the state and throughout the metropolitan area of Detroit. This will always be part of our considerations for the future, ”said program president Doug North. The motor show has been a major driver of business in restaurants, hotels and other businesses in the city center.
The show’s economic impact was estimated at up to $ 450 million a year, with hotels and restaurants packed with visitors, including workers who spent weeks building elaborate exhibits and automotive journalists and executives from around the world. The show is also known to attract around 800,000 paying customers to its public days.
While M1 covers 87 hectares bordering Woodward Avenue on the southern border of Pontiac. It lacks the downtown Detroit road and parking infrastructure, ensuring virtually less public than previous auto shows.
Dates for 2021 Motor Bella
- Press preview, Tuesday, September 21
- AutoMobili-D, Tuesday, September 21 at noon on Thursday, September 23
- Industry Preview, Wednesday, September 22 and noon Thursday, September 23
- Public show, Thursday, September 23 to Sunday, September 26