New York and Detroit Auto Shows: A Guide to North America’s Premier Automotive Exhibitions

North America’s two most prestigious automotive exhibitions — the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit and the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) — are unmissable events for car enthusiasts, industry professionals, and curious visitors alike. Held annually, these shows bring together the world’s leading automakers to unveil cutting-edge vehicles, revolutionary concept cars, and the latest in automotive technology. Whether you’re a potential buyer, a motoring journalist, or simply passionate about cars, here’s everything you need to know about these iconic exhibitions.

Historic Milestones of the Detroit and New York Auto Shows

The North American International Motor Show (NAIAS) — formerly the Detroit Motor Show — traces its roots back to 1899, when businessman William Metzger organised the first-ever “auto parade” to showcase the latest products of the American automobile industry. Key dates in Detroit’s long history include:

• 1899 — First Detroit auto parade organised by William Metzger, introducing American cars to the general public.
• 1907 — The second motor show is held at Beller’s Beer Garden at Riverside Park, attracting 17 participants and becoming an annual fixture.
• 1941–1953 — The show is suspended due to the US government’s wartime ban on the sale and delivery of new passenger cars and trucks.
• 1957 — For the first time, foreign automakers join the show. Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors share exhibition space with Volvo, Isetta, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche.
• 1965 — The exhibition moves to its long-term home at the Cobo exhibition center in Downtown Detroit.
• 1989 — The show is officially renamed the North American International Motor Show. Japanese luxury brands Lexus and Infiniti make their world debuts, alongside the legendary Dodge Viper concept car. Over 850 journalists attend, 60 of them from foreign press.

New York’s automotive history is just as storied. The New York Motor Show was first held in 1900 at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan — a time when the global car market was still in its infancy. William Metzger, already pivotal in shaping Detroit’s event, also played a key role in organising New York’s inaugural show.

New York International Auto Show: What to Expect Today

Since 1907, the annual New York International Auto Show has been held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan each spring. While it may not be the largest auto show in the world, it is one of the most globally relevant — and for ten days every year, New York City truly becomes the automobile capital of the United States.

Here’s what visitors can look forward to at the New York show:

• American and world premieres — Major automakers use New York as a launchpad for new models targeting the North American market.
• Concept cars and tuning projects — Forward-looking design studies and custom builds are a regular highlight.
• Motorcycles and supercars — The show covers the full spectrum of personal mobility, not just family cars.
• Car of the Year awards — Industry experts vote on the best new car of the year, with nominees required to be on sale in at least five countries.
• Celebrity and industry guests — Shareholders, politicians, and media figures regularly attend alongside members of the Greater New York Auto Dealers Association.

Unlike the Detroit Motor Show, which has traditionally focused on the domestic American car market, the New York International Auto Show takes a decidedly global outlook — reflecting the diverse and international character of New York City itself. It currently ranks third among the world’s most-attended motor shows.

Modern North American International Motor Show (NAIAS) in Detroit

The Detroit Motor Show is far more than an automotive trade event — it is a major economic and cultural moment for the city. The show alone brings approximately half a billion US dollars into Detroit’s local economy, making it one of the most financially significant annual events in the region.

The event’s format is carefully structured to maximise impact for both the industry and the public:

• Press days — Two days before the official opening, the show opens exclusively to journalists and media, with major global reveals timed for maximum coverage.
• Charity preview — The day before the public opening, a gala charity preview raises funds for local charitable foundations.
• Public days — The show opens to the general public, with hundreds of thousands of visitors attending across the run of the event.

In recent years, organisers have taken steps to reinvent the show. After its final January edition in 2019, NAIAS moved to a summer slot in June — a change designed to make the event more vibrant and accessible. The new format draws inspiration from events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and includes:

• Open-air entertainment zones and live event stages
• Off-road vehicle tracks and racing segments for sports cars
• Additional outdoor venues across Downtown Detroit, including Hart Plaza, Detroit RiverWalk, Campus Martius, Woodward Avenue, Grand Circus Park, and Belle Isle
• Integration with the Detroit Grand Prix, creating a month-long automotive festival throughout June
• A Ford fireworks display to close the festivities

As Rod Alberts, executive director of NAIAS, put it: “Detroit will remain a global stage, one of the most significant and iconic motor shows in the world, which will have an unprecedented international audience of media and key industry players… June provides us with new opportunities that are simply unthinkable in January.” The summer move also brings practical benefits — preparation time is reduced from eight weeks to three, and avoiding the holiday season (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year) saves exhibitors an estimated 30–40% in staffing and logistics costs.

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected the Detroit and New York Auto Shows

Like many large-scale international events, both the Detroit and New York motor shows were significantly disrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The key impacts included:

• Detroit 2020 cancelled — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) repurposed the TCF Center exhibition hall as a temporary field hospital for coronavirus patients, making it impossible to host the show.
• New York 2020 postponed — For the first time since World War II, the New York International Auto Show was not held during Easter week. It was moved from early April to late August, though rising infection rates put even that rescheduled date in doubt.
• Detroit 2021 return — The show was rescheduled to June 2021, marking the return of North America’s most iconic automotive event after a pandemic-forced hiatus.

“We have taken this extraordinary step to protect the participants, organizers and visitors from the coronavirus,” said Mark Scheinberg, President of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, on the decision to postpone the New York show. Despite the disruption, interest remained high — in 2019, the New York show attracted close to one million visitors, underlining the enduring popularity of these events.

Why You Should Visit the Detroit or New York Auto Show

Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or simply curious about the future of mobility, the Detroit and New York auto shows offer a unique window into the world’s most innovative automotive technology. From jaw-dropping concept cars to global model premieres, these exhibitions are unlike anything else on the automotive calendar. Planning a trip? Make sure your travel documents are in order — and for those who don’t yet have an international driver’s license, you can apply for one quickly and easily on our website.