The 2018 North American International Auto Show will showcase 57 mobility startups from around the world as part of AutoMobili-D from Jan. 14-21, and includes a strategic partnership with Techstars Mobility in Detroit.
The event at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit will feature a keynote address and product debut by John Chen, executive chairman and CEO of BlackBerry.
“Building on the success of the inaugural launch of AutoMobili-D in 2017, the startup zone has expanded for 2018 and will feature a nearly 40 percent increase in startups participating from around the world that are highlighting innovations that touch on every aspect of mobility,” says Ryan LaFontaine, 2018 NAIAS chairman. “Collectively these startups have raised more than $157 million in venture capital funding.”
The startups will be focused on autonomous, connected car technology, electrification, fleet management, hardware and sensors, logistics, manufacturing, mapping and journey planning, personal mobility, security, ride sharing services, and smart city infrastructure. Of the participating startups, 79 percent will be first-time exhibitors at AutoMobili-D and companies represent 11 countries, a 120 percent increase in international participants compared to last year. Nearly 90 percent have existing relationships with automotive and technology companies and collectively these companies employ 755 nationwide.
Additionally, Chen will deliver AutoMobili-D’s keynote address at 2:10 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 15 in Cobo Center’s Atrium, addressing BlackBerry’s transformation into cybersecurity solutions and the company’s work as an automotive partner.
“Cybersecurity is a topic of extreme importance as the vehicles of tomorrow become more and more connected,” adds LaFontaine. “From global automakers and suppliers, to leading technology providers like BlackBerry, our show brings together key media and industry executives to experience and showcase innovations in automotive.”
AutoMobili-D will encompass more than 150,000-square feet this year. BlackBerry will have a display located in the eMobility community within the exhibit, where they will showcase automotive technologies.
A full lineup of participating exhibitors can be found here.
Key dates for the 2018 Detroit Auto Show include:
- Jan. 13: The Gallery at Cobo Center Atrium (New location)
- Jan. 14-21: AutoMobili-D
- Jan. 14-16: Press Preview
- Jan. 17-18: Industry Preview
- Jan. 19: Charity Preview
- Jan. 20-28: Public Show
