The 2020 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), which was scheduled for June in Detroit, will not take place this year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, the organizer has announced.
The venue, which is now known as the TCF Center (formerly Cobo Center) is to be converted into a temporary hospital which will treat cases of COVID-19, its owner has stated. The number of deaths in Michigan has now moved into three figures.
“Although we are disappointed, there is nothing more important to us than the health, safety and well-being of the citizens of Detroit and Michigan, and we will do what we can to support our community’s fight against the coronavirus outbreak,” NAIAS Executive Director Rod Alberts said in an emailed statement.
All tickets purchased for the 2020 NAIAS show, including tickets for the Public Show, Industry Preview and Charity Preview will be fully refunded, organizers said. Charity Preview ticket holders will be given the option of a refund, or the opportunity to donate the proceeds of their refund to one of the nine designated Charity Preview beneficiaries. The NAIAS ticket office will be in contact with all ticket holders, according to the organizers.
The NAIAS is the latest in a long line of events and conventions that have been canceled as COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has spread from China to Europe, and now the U.S. and the rest of the world.
Having been moved from its traditional January slot on the global shows calendar, The show had been due to take place in June. Instead, the next NAIAS is now planned for June 2021.
New 2021 show dates and events
– Motor Bella – Friday, June 11 to Monday, June 14: A street fair of English and Italian cars and food.
– The Gallery – Monday, June 14: An invitation-only show of the latest exotic and luxury vehicles.
– Press Preview – Tuesday, June 15 to Wednesday, June 16: Automakers from around the world reveal new vehicles and technologies.
– AutoMobili-D Powered by PlanetM – Tuesday, June 15 to Thursday, June 17: Innovators showcase new ideas to automakers and suppliers.
– Industry Preview – Wednesday, June 16 to Thursday, June 17: Engineers and designers study new vehicles for competitive information.
– Charity Preview – Friday, June 18: Massive event raises millions for local charities.
– Public Show – Saturday, June 19 to Saturday, June 26
