The Detroit Auto Show, after a year’s absence and an attempt to run the show at a different time of year, has announced its 2025 schedule as it returns to its traditional January place on the calendar in its usual locale — Huntington Place in downtown Detroit.
The return to January, according to show organizers, has an eye toward providing automakers and partners a flexible schedule for product and technology debuts while bringing consumers new experiences and innovative vehicles as well as educational opportunities.
Exhibitors are being given the flexibility to schedule press conferences and reveals throughout the show rather than during designated media days.
“As we reimagine the show, we’re being agile about scheduling events to meet the needs and preferences of key stakeholders,” says Rob Alberts, co-executive director of the Detroit Auto Show. “OEMs and show partners will have the opportunity to directly reach out to customers with product announcements during the public show or have media- and industry-focused events as in the past.”
Highlights of the 2025 Detroit Auto Show schedule include:
Media Day, Friday, Jan. 10: The 2025 Detroit Auto Show will officially kick-off on Media Day with media access to the show floor and a media-centric slate of events, including the announcement of the 2025 winners of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards. Media registration opens Oct. 1. Watch for more details at detroitautoshow.com.
Other Media Day events include the announcement of the EyesOn Design Awards, recognizing exceptional design of production and concept vehicles that debuted over the past year, followed by the Detroit Economic Club’s annual Auto Show Luncheon. The event will feature insights from a top leader in the international business community along with a visit to the auto show floor. Visit econclub.org for more information and announcements about the luncheon.
Charity Preview, Friday, Jan. 10: Capping off the first day of the 2025 Detroit Auto Show will be the signature Charity Preview, which has raised more than $100 million for children’s charities in southeast Michigan over the past 25 years. Entertainment will be announced later this summer. Charity Preview tickets go on sale Oct. 14. Tickets will be $400 each or $700 a pair. WXYZ-TV Channel 7 is the Official Television Partner of Charity Preview.
Industry Days, Jan. 15-16: Building industry momentum during the second week of the show and providing exclusive industry access hours is Industry Days, two days of industry, talent, and mobility tech collaboration. Three areas of core programming during Industry Days include:
- Mobility Global Forum,featuring tech innovators and industry disruptors in mobility, design, technology and talent sharing their insights before industry and media. The forum’s theme is, “Convergence of Industry, Technology and Talent” with presentations to be held on the Huntington Place Atrium and Grand Ballroom stages. The most recent Mobility Global Forum in 2023 hosted 32 presentations, including noted futurist Malcolm Gladwell as the featured speaker.
- AutoMobili-D Technology Showcase, now in its seventh year, returns previewing the latest in mobility innovations from a variety of global companies, the startup community, and a number of universities.
- Future Innovators, a new feature program Presented by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. 1,000+ high school and college students will be invited to visit the show to learn about career opportunities and training options in the automotive and mobility industries.
There will be exclusive industry access hours to the show floor during industry Days. Visit detroitautoshow.com for more details about special access hours and tickets.
Public Show, Jan. 11-20: Ten days of cars, vehicle experiences, public figures, music, and more. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Oct. 14. Visit detroitautoshow.com for the most up-to-date show details, including schedules, show times, ticket prices, hotel information, and entertainment updates.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 20: With the return to January, the Detroit Auto Show will include special programming for the holiday, with an emphasis on celebrating “Acts of Service” honoring Dr. King’s legacy and philosophy that “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
Delta Air Lines, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification have signed on as Premier Sponsors of the auto show.
DETROIT AUTO SHOW KEY DATES
- Media Day: Jan. 10
- Charity Preview: Jan. 10
- Industry Days and AutoMobili-D: Jan. 15-16
- Mobility Global Forum: Jan. 15-16
- Future Innovators: Jan. 15-16
- Public Show: Jan. 11-20
