For a car lover, there is nothing like an auto show. It’s the place to be for those who must see the newest and greatest in the automotive industry. Some shows are huge and glitzy; others are smaller and more modest. From production models to concept vehicles, manufactures from all over display their innovations for the thousands and thousands of people who come out to see what they have to offer. If you can’t make it to all the shows this year, you’ll be more than satisfied if you can attend any of the following 5 must see auto shows.
Detroit – North American International Auto Show
As you might expect, because it originates from the automotive center of the country, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is one of the largest auto shows in the United States. Detroit has had an auto show for more than a century. At first the focus was local, but in the 1980s a group of auto dealers in the Motor City banded together to make the show bigger and better. They decided to turn it into a nationally known, renowned event. It is presently regarded as the premier auto show in the U.S. Held at Cobo Center for many years, the NAIAS is attended by hundreds of thousands of people and covered by media representatives from all areas of the globe.
Los Angeles – LA Auto Show
Because it’s on the west coast, you might think the LA Auto Show is a newcomer to the auto show circuit. You’d be wrong. The event began in 1907. There was a brief interruption during and after WWII, but the show resumed in 1952. Since then it has grown to become one of the biggest shows in the automotive industry. Originally held at Morley’s Skating Rink with 99 vehicles on exhibit, the show now takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Production models share the stage with concept vehicles in this 10-day event which takes place in a city that boasts an extensive freeway system and lives, breaths, and exists on travel by automobile. As with most shows of this caliber, the LA Auto Show receives a tremendous turnout both in number of spectators and media coverage.
Chicago – Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show began 1901. It has the distinction of being the largest auto show in North America, and has been around more years than any other auto show. It boasts somewhere around 1,000 vehicles displayed over the course of the 12-day event (including media preview and public showing.) Produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association since 1935, the show is held at the McCormick Place Convention Complex. The Chicago Auto Show has been attended by more than one million people a year, and the media coverage is staggering. As with most shows of this stature there are production models on display, and plenty of concept vehicles. The McCormick Place Convention Complex is huge and provides ample room for the manufacturers to showcase intricate exhibits.
New York – New York International Auto Show
Held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, the New York International Auto Show is one of the largest and most well attended shows in the United States. The 10-day event offers indoor rides on vehicles without emissions and includes a number of concept vehicles. As always, an event of this size will be well represented by automobile manufacturers from all over the world. The New York International Auto Show has been held since the early 1900s, and has taken place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center since 1987. It is well attended and covered by worldwide media.
Philadelphia – Philadelphia International Auto Show
A trend in auto shows has been ‘ride and drive’ events, which offer the opportunity to actually operate vehicles from certain manufacturers. The Philadelphia International Auto Show is one of them. The show takes place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and has entries from auto manufacturers from all over the world. There are a great number of production models, as well as a variety of concept vehicles available for public viewing. It is one of the top shows in the country and prides itself on entertaining and educating the public. Commonly called the Philly Auto Show, the event is well attended by the public and receives worldwide media coverage.
Guest post from Bailey Harris who writes about car insurance rates and related topics for the Car Insurance Blog.
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