For more than a century, the Detroit Auto Show has been far more than a showcase of vehicles. It has been a declaration. A statement of identity. Proof that Detroit is not simply part of the automotive story—it is the story.
As the 2026 Detroit Auto Show returns with renewed confidence, sharper vision, and unmistakable momentum, it does so at a moment when Detroit’s dominance, resilience, and creative energy are once again impossible to ignore. This year’s show is not about reclaiming relevance—it’s about reaffirming leadership.
The Detroit Auto Show carries more than 100 years of history, and according to Sam Klemet, that legacy isn’t something to escape—it’s something to build upon.
“Detroit didn’t become the Motor City by standing still,” Klemet explains. “It became the Motor City by innovating, taking risks, and leading.”
That philosophy defines the 2026 show. From its earliest days inside old convention halls to its current global reach, the Detroit Auto Show has always reflected where the industry is—and where it’s headed next.
That evolution is also underscored by Lincoln Phillips, Board President of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, who sees the show’s resurgence as inseparable from the city’s identity.
“The Detroit Auto Show’s resurgence is emblematic of the city’s persona—its grit, tenacity, and creative flair,” Phillips says. “This year’s show will highlight an innovative reset as the industry pivots away from the Battery Electric Vehicle mandate and toward consumer-driven products, with an eye toward affordable transportation solutions.”
That reset mirrors the reality facing automakers and consumers alike—where accessibility, choice, and practicality are once again front and center.
In an era dominated by digital media, the Detroit Auto Show has evolved into what Klemet calls a “Content Show.” The soul—cars, craftsmanship, and innovation—remains intact, but the storytelling now extends far beyond the show floor.
Detroit isn’t just hosting an auto show—it’s producing a global narrative about the future of mobility, and that narrative originates in the city where it all began.
“This city didn’t just build the auto industry,” Klemet says. “It continues to shape where it’s going."
That story today includes software, hybrid and electric powertrains, advanced design, workforce development, and the intersection of mobility with culture and community—all converging in Detroit.
For Todd Szott, the show’s return to January is deeply symbolic—a recommitment to tradition with forward-looking intent.
January in Detroit is not just a date on the calendar. It’s a declaration.
As Phillips makes clear, the success of the Detroit Auto Show goes far beyond symbolism.
“The success of the show is far more than symbolic—the economic impact to the city is enormous, like this city’s heart,” he explains. “And on the subject of heart, the Charity Preview is the largest charity event in the state.”
Through the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, the show supports numerous causes across Metro Detroit—impact that Phillips hopes to grow even further.
“We would love to expand the scope of our charitable causes,” he adds. “The breadth of our charitable endeavors is indexed by the success of our show.
Phillips also sees the show as a shared responsibility—one that belongs to the entire region.
“I urge everyone to take the opportunity to visit the show. We all have a personal stake in its success,” he says. “This is the Motor City. We are automotive enthusiasts who represent so many facets of automotive legacy—design, engineering, manufacturing, and merchandising—driven by innovation and a passion to keep moving forward. We are Detroit proud. Motor on.”
The 2026 Detroit Auto Show arrives at a pivotal moment—for the industry, the city, and the culture of mobility itself. With renewed leadership, deeper purpose, and unstoppable momentum, Detroit isn’t chasing relevance.
There may be many auto shows around the world—but there is only one Motor City.
And in 2026, Detroit is once again proving why the spotlight belongs right here.
