Another Major Automaker is Pulling Out of the Detroit Auto Show

BMW is following Mercedes-Benz in withdrawing from the Detroit Auto Show.

It’s another major hit for the annual show in Detroit, as the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) debates whether it should move the show to October starting in 2020. BMW and Mercedes-Benz are the most recent automakers to announce they won’t be returning next year, joining the likes of Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche, and Mazda, which all didn’t attend this year.

“BMW Group has decided to withdraw from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit,” said BMW. “This decision was made as BMW Group is constantly examining our presence at trade shows and other engagements, while, at the same time, also exploring alternative platforms and formats. The overall goal is to communicate our ideas and plans regarding future mobility in the best way and achieve the greatest possible visibility for our products, technologies and innovations.”

The Detroit Auto Show has lost a bit of its appeal over recent years, especially with the Consumer Electronics Show happening around the same time. More and more automakers are choosing to attend CES to showcase new technologies with their vehicles. In addition, January weather in Detroit limits automakers from demonstrating their vehicles outdoors. As a result, DADA is looking at holding the event in fall, when the weather is warmer.

According to Automotive News, a vote by the dealer group is expected by mid-April on whether a date change will be made.

[Source: Automotive News]

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