Detroit — The 2022 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is back! It returns after a several year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it will look much more different than what we’ve seen in the past.
One of the major changes is the auto show’s footprint. In past years, everything took place inside Cobo Center. This year, there will be automotive displays and activities not only inside Huntington Place, but also at Hart Plaza, the Spirit of Detroit and at Campus Martius Park/Cadillac Square.
Secondly, the date has changed. The NAIAS was formerly held in January in the dead of winter with cold weather, snow and ice. For 2022, the event is behind held in mid-September from the 14th to the 25th. We can expect much warmer weather with temperatures in the upper 70s or lower 80s.
As for the Huntington Place section of the show, you can expect to see traditional vehicle exhibits, hands-on activation and a showcase of automotive technologies. Also, AutoMobili-D will host more than 80 technology companies, Tier 1 suppliers, start-up companies and several universities.
Multiple automotive brands are hosting ride-and-drive activities on the streets of downtown Detroit. That way you can get behind-the-wheel or ride as a passenger in the newest production cars, trucks and SUVs. This is something that was not possible in past years since the roads were snowy and icy in January. Participating automakers include Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep, Ram and Volkswagen.
There will be lots of family fun happening at Hart Plaza during the auto show. Attendees can check out Fred Flintstone’s “Flintmobile” and the world’s first electric Monster Truck. The world’s largest rubber duck and Round One Gaming Lab will also be set up there. An all-new air mobility experience will showcase electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircrafts.
The black-tie Charity Preview gala returns on Friday, Sept. 16. Multiple Grammy-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist Nile Rodgers & CHIC will perform. There will also be live entertainment by Your Generation in Concert. Tickets are $400 each or $700 for a pair.
This year’s charity preview will benefit the following charities:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
- The Children’s Center
- The Children’s Foundation
- Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
- Detroit PAL
- University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
The 2022 NAIAS (Detroit Auto Show) public show days are Saturday, Sept. 17 through Sunday, Sept. 25. For advance tickets and more info, go to www.naias.com.
