DETROIT – On Monday, the North American International Auto Show announced it will not hold the annual event in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2020, NAIAS also canceled the event as a result of the pandemic. The show was canceled last year after it was announced that Detroit’s TCF Center would become a temporary hospital for COVID patients.
Read more: 2020 NAIAS canceled as TCF Center expected to become temporary hospital
Since the event is canceled this year show officials revealed a “bridge to the future” with an auto-centric event called Motor Bella.
“The new event will bring next generation mobility and exciting vehicle debuts to media, show-goers and the automotive enthusiasts’ world in a never before experienced way while also addressing continued COVID-19 concerns about indoor events,” a statement from Motor Bella read.
Motor Bella will be held from Sept. 21-26, 2021 at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac.
“The pandemic has caused changes in our society and world in ways not previously imagined, and we all should be looking for new and highly creative ways of doing business,” said Rod Alberts, executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association and NAIAS.
“This new event captures that creative spirit. It will provide new mobility experiences and increasingly innovative approaches to tapping into the industry and its products.”
Alberts said attendees can expect a multi-sensory experience at the new event. “This all-outdoor venue, with adrenaline-pumping track activities and a full complement of OEM and technology exhibits, is going to offer the sights, sounds and even the smell of all that the new world of mobility has to offer,” he stated.
Dates for 2021 Motor Bella
- Press Preview, Tuesday, Sept. 21
- AutoMobili-D, Tuesday, Sept. 21 through a half-day Thursday, Sept. 23
- Industry Preview, Wednesday, Sept. 22 and a half-day Thursday, Sept. 23
- Public Show, Thursday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 26