Attendance has dropped by almost 500,000 people in under ten years
The Detroit Auto Show, once a must-see event, has lost much of its former glory. This year’s return generated little buzz, with key unveilings like the Ford Mustang RTR and Mustang GTD Spirit of America happening before the show even began. The only notable highlight during media day was the North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year Awards.
Attendance was dismal, with just 275,000 visitors over 11 days—a sharp drop from the 774,179 attendees in 2019. Organizers tried to frame the event as a success, calling it “one of the largest auto shows in the U.S.,” but the numbers tell a different story. Even the 2024 Chicago Auto Show, with a shorter 10-day run, drew nearly 260,000 attendees.
Many major automakers skipped the event, leaving dealers, indoor tracks, and unrelated exhibitors like the Army and Polish Trade Agency to fill the gaps at Huntington Place. Despite this, officials claimed the show had “true energy” and a “robust lineup,” though much of the display included over 150 modified personal vehicles from Modded Detroit.
On the brighter side, the event raised $1.7 million for six children’s charities and had an estimated economic impact of $370 million. However, if the lackluster lineup and declining attendance continue, the future of the Detroit Auto Show looks bleak.
