The shift at Detroit Auto Show as it kicks off with a visit from Trump

The auto show once was the place for new model debuts, glitzy displays and scores of journalists from across the globe

While it has scaled back dramatically from its heyday, the auto show still drew 275,000 attendees a year ago (AP Photo/Jose Juarez, file)

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Detroit Auto Show returns this week, giving car enthusiasts a peek at the vehicles of today and tomorrow.

And a day before it kicks off, President Donald Trump is making a visit to the city.

Trump will address members of the Detroit Economic Club Tuesday and visit a manufacturing plant that produces F-150 trucks.

The annual car-fest, which begins Jan. 14 with two media and industry days, features a lineup of 40-plus vehicle brands.

At last year’s show, organizers say attendees took more than 100,000 rides in them.

A highlight of the Detroit Auto Show is getting inside new vehicles for a spin (AP)

“That’s what makes the Detroit Auto Show different,” show chairman Todd Szott said.

“You can get up close, talk to the people behind the brands and actually experience the vehicles.”

The Detroit Auto Show once was the place for new model debuts, glitzy displays and scores of journalists from across the globe.

Automakers since have determined that new models can make a bigger splash when they’re unveiled to a digital audience on a day when they don’t have to share the spotlight with rivals.

While it has scaled back dramatically from its heyday, it still drew 275,000 attendees a year ago. And it is leaning into interactivity.

Two tracks offer attendees ride-along experiences in internal combustion engine, hybrid and electric vehicles, while the Camp Jeep and Ford Bronco Built Wild Experience give visitors a chance to climb into the vehicles and tackle some makeshift “mountains.”

The show gets underway Tuesday evening with vehicle announcements from Ford Motor Co. as part of the media and industry preview days.

On Wednesday, the annual North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year will be revealed. The show opens to the public Saturday and runs through Jan. 25.

Visitors can check out displays under the Alfa Romeo, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Jeep, Kia, Lincoln, Ram, Subaru and Toyota nameplates.

Speakers include Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno from Ohio, and a pair of Democrats — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Pete Buttigieg, the Transportation Secretary under President Joe Biden.

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

The shift at Detroit Auto Show as it kicks off with a visit from Trump

The auto show once was the place for new model debuts, glitzy displays and scores of journalists from across the globe

Bookmark popover

Thank you for registering