Detroit — The Detroit Auto Show today revealed highlights of the September 2023 show, an EV immersion and reflection of the mobility transformation underway – with more brands participating, a new EV Experience indoor track, added street course ride-and-drives and an inaugural, content-rich Mobility Global Forum.
With over three months until the show opens, organizers report there’s more news on the horizon, including a couple “firsts” for the Detroit Auto Show, that will be announced soon.
Held at Huntington Place in Detroit, the show kicks off with Media Day on Wednesday, Sept. 13. Technology Days/AutoMobili-D and the Mobility Global Forum are slated for Wednesday, Sept. 13 – Thursday, Sept. 14, and the signature Charity Preview event is Friday, Sept. 15. The show opens to the public Saturday, Sept. 16 – 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 Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “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 the future as we make it in Michigan.”
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan echoed the Governor’s sentiments. “The very nature of how people get from Point A to Point B is changing in ways more profound than at any time since the dawn of the Auto Industry,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “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.”
More Brands, From Inside and Out of the Motor City
According to show officials, the 2023 event has garnered strong support from Ford, GM and Stellantis with all three committed to participating with their full brand portfolio. Brand-specific tracks from Jeep, Ram and Ford will return, along with new experiential activations. Multiple vehicle debuts have been confirmed for the show, and there will be increased representation from a number of brands. Show officials expect double the number of participating brands.
Feel the Electricity and Connectivity
“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 will feature a new Powering Michigan EV Experience indoor track,sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 58 and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). The activation will afford visitors the chance to immerse themselves in a wide range of EV vehicles. Sitting alongside a professional driver, show-goers will traverse through a serpentine track that includes an acceleration lane stretching more than 300 feet.
The Powering Michigan EV Learning Center, also sponsored by IBEW Local 58 and NECA, will greet riders as they exit the track experience, providing visitors with an educational overview of the EV charging process and procedures with real-life demonstrations.
Building upon the success of last year’s street course ride-and-drives, additional brands will offer show-goers hands-on experiences in electric and autonomous vehicles outside. The course will travel along the Detroit riverfront over portions of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix downtown race circuit.
Industry Influencers to Take the Mic at Mobility Global Forum
Drawing media, industry and policymakers worldwide will be the show’s all-new Mobility Global Forum. This two-day executive symposium, held concurrently with Media and Technology Days on Sept. 13 – 14, will address the changing world of mobility and transportation and the trends and issues facing the ever-evolving automotive industry.
Governor Whitmer will 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. The Mobility Global Forum will be held on the main show floor and will also include fireside chats and themed panels hosted by industry journalists.
For more information on the Mobility Global Forum or to apply for participation as a speaker, visit naias.com.
Michigan Leading the Charge in Next-Generation Technology
For the sixth year, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), in association with Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, will provide important funding to highlight dozens of tech companies and startups as part of the AutoMobili-D (AMD) technology showcase on the main auto show floor. A goal of 150 startups is projected for the show’s AMD with the assistance of Plug & Play, a venture capital fund that specializes in startups and is the show’s Official Partner for Startup Engagements. In addition to the startups, 50+ technology displays will be featured, and Magna is supporting 10+ universities in this area.
More Information
Media registration will begin in July, and tickets will go on sale to the public 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.
ABOUT THE DETROIT AUTO SHOW:
The Detroit Auto Show is one of the most influential annual automotive events in the world and a showcase for emerging technologies. The iconic show features brand-defining vehicles, product ride-and-drives and dynamic experiential activations. The event includes: Media Day, an opportunity for automakers and industry suppliers to debut new products and technologies; Technology Days, a chance to preview emerging mobility technologies and engage with innovators; Mobility Global Forum, a two-day symposium on mobility trends and new technologies; AutoMobili-D, an inside look at future mobility platforms; Charity Preview, a signature fundraising gala for children’s charities; and the Public Show, a nine-day mobility and community celebration. For more information, visit naias.com.
DATES FOR THE DETROIT AUTO SHOW:
- Media Day, Wednesday, Sept. 13
- Technology Days and AutoMobili-D, Wednesday, Sept. 13 and Thursday, Sept. 14
- Mobility Global Forum, Wednesday, Sept. 13 and Thursday, Sept. 14
- Charity Preview, Friday, Sept. 15
- Public Show, Saturday, Sept. 16 through Sunday, Sept. 24
Source: Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS)