Wayne County Commission Wants Auto Show To Return To Detroit

DETROIT — Wayne County commissioners are calling for the return of the Detroit Auto Show after the event was canceled in 2020 and 20201 due to the coronavirus pandemic and replaced with an auto-related event in Oakland County.

The Wayne County Commission on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution that urges the Detroit Auto Dealers Association to continue holding the North American International Auto Show at the TCF Center in Detroit.

“The auto show is a long-standing tradition in Detroit, as well as a major charity fundraiser,” Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell said. “While we understand the reasons for this year’s cancelation, we sincerely hope the auto show will continue, in Detroit, for many years to come.”

Related: Detroit Auto Show Canceled, NAIAS Hosting Oakland County Event

In early January, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association announced that the 2021 North American International Auto Show would be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 auto show also was canceled due to the pandemic.

In the same announcement, organizers announced that for 2021, the September show would be replaced by Motor Bella, an event billed as a "bridge to the future" and set to be held at the M1 Concourse on Woodward Avenue in Pontiac.

The event was set to make its summer debut this year.

Related: North American International Auto Show To Move To Fall 2021

The event annually brought thousands of visitors and media to Detroit, and Wayne County Commissioner Jonathan Kinloch said the new summer date would only increase the auto show's appeal.

“Summer is the perfect time to show visitors all that Detroit has to offer and TCF
Center (the former Cobo Hall) is within walking distance or a short drive of so many
places, from downtown to Greektown to Belle Isle that it would really be a shame for
everyone involved to lose that opportunity," Kinloch said.