The Detroit Auto Show is returning to its original January timeframe for the first time since 2019, following a brief experiment with September shows. Organizers of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) have announced that the 2025 event will run from Friday, January 10, to Monday, January 20, at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. This move comes after a year off in 2024, marking a significant step in the redefinition of the show.
A Return to January: Why the Change?
Formerly known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the Detroit Auto Show is returning to its roots in January after testing September dates in 2022 and 2023. While the September shows provided the opportunity for outdoor events, the dates were not ideal, coming just after back-to-school season and at the start of football season. The organizers decided to bring the event back to January, a month that better aligns with the automotive industry’s timeline for new product announcements.
New Schedule for 2025: A More Flexible Format
The 2025 Detroit Auto Show will offer a more flexible schedule, designed to meet the needs of automakers, partners, and consumers alike. The event will allow automakers to debut their products and technologies throughout the show, rather than concentrating all reveals on media days. The public will have the chance to see new vehicles and engage with exhibits, while industry professionals will still have dedicated days for networking and specialized showcases.
Special Programming and New Features
The 2025 Detroit Auto Show will feature an array of activities beyond the standard vehicle displays. Media day on Friday, January 10, will include the announcement of the 2025 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards and the EyesOn Design Awards. The Charity Preview, also on January 10, will offer a chance to attend an exclusive event with entertainment details to be revealed later in the year. Public show days will run from January 11 through January 20, with industry days on January 15 and 16, highlighting mobility innovations, AutoMobili-D technology showcases, and a new program for high school and college students, Future Innovators, to learn about career opportunities in the auto industry.
The Detroit Auto Show’s Heritage
Rod Alberts, Co-Executive Director of the Detroit Auto Show, emphasized that the decision to drop the “North American International Auto Show” branding was a way to refocus on Detroit’s automotive heritage. “We haven’t been in January since 2019, so we saw this as an opportunity to rebrand ourselves, not in the traditional sense, but to go back to our roots,” said Alberts. The event is now more consumer-focused, showcasing Detroit’s deep automotive history while still attracting global attention and major reveals.
A Look Ahead: What to Expect
While the return to January represents a shift back to tradition, the show will continue to evolve with new experiences and innovative technology. Organizers have confirmed that ticket sales for the public will begin on October 14, with prices set at $400 for individuals or $700 for a pair for the Charity Preview event.
The Detroit Auto Show remains an essential event for the automotive industry, offering a platform for automakers to present their latest innovations to an international audience. As the world’s automotive industry continues to evolve, the Detroit Auto Show is committed to remaining at the forefront of vehicle debuts, consumer engagement, and industry advancement.
