DETROIT (WWJ) - Plans for this year's North American International Auto Show are underway with organizers announcing Wednesday morning that more brands will be involved, as well as new experiences for guests.
Organizers revealed the highlights of the upcoming 2023 Detroit Auto Show, which is scheduled to open to the public on September 16th at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit.
Officials said they plan to have more brands participating, a new EV Experience indoor track, added street course ride-and-drives and an inaugural, content-rich Mobility Global Forum.
And there's more news, including a couple of "firsts" for the show, yet to be unveiled.
The show will kick off Media Day on Wednesday, Sept. 13 with Technology Days/AutoMobili-D and the Mobility Global Forum scheduled to run from Wednesday, Sept. 13 to Thursday, Sept. 14. The show's "signature" Charity Preview event is set for Friday, Sept. 15 with doors open to the public on Saturday, Sept. 16 through Sunday, Sept. 24.
“Michigan has been the center of the automotive world for a century, and we will define the future of mobility and electrification,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer in prepared statement. “Our economic development efforts, innovative talent programs and strong workforce are helping us bring home thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs and supply chains of electric vehicles, batteries, chips and other emerging mobility technology. Together, we will continue leading and building the future.”
The governor's comments were seconded by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who said transportation has been changing "in ways more profound than at any time since the dawn of the Auto Industry.'
"This year's Auto Show will reflect this shift and make it clear to the world Detroit continues to be at the forefront of mobility innovation," Duggan stated.
Show officials say Ford, GM and Stellantis will be present with their full brand portfolio with brand-specific tracks from Jeep, Ram and Ford returning along with "new experiential activations."
Several vehicles will make their debuts at the show, while officials say they are expecting double the number of participating brands.
“This year’s show represents the next step in its evolution and in the evolution of the industry itself,” said Detroit Auto Show Chairman Thad Szott. “Automotive technology is changing so rapidly; how do we make people comfortable with it? We’re planning for a show that not only embraces and educates about this new technology, but offers an immersion into it. And with twice the number of brands participating, there’ll be no shortage of engaging with it.”
The show is set to feature a new thrill for guests with the Powering Michigan EV Experience indoor track which will give visitors the chance to fully immerse themselves in a wide range of EV vehicles.
People will have a professional driver sitting alongside them while they traverse through a serpentine track that includes an acceleration lane stretching more than 300 feet.
When riders leave the track, there will be an opportunity for riders to learn about the EV charging process and procedures with real-life demonstrations.
"Building upon the success of last year’s street course ride-and-drives, additional brandswill offer show-goers hands-on experiences in electric and autonomous vehicles outside," officials added. "The course will travel along the Detroit riverfront over portions of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix downtown race circuit."
Gov. Whitmer is scheduled to present a keynote discussing Michigan’s leadership role in the electrification of the automobile industry, in addition to keynotes from top thought leaders and renowned auto industry experts.
Tickets for the public will go on sale on July 17.
Visit naias.com for the most up-to-date show details, including press conference schedules, show times, tickets prices, hotel information, entertainment updates and what not to miss at the show.
Related
