There was hope that with the new year we would see the return of major events throughout the state, but it looks like one of the biggest won’t happen.

For a second year the North American International Auto Show in Detroit has had to cancel amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The announcement was made on Monday by the NAIAS that this years event would not go on as planned.

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Last year the event had switched to summer dates after decades of being held in the winter. This year the event was scheduled to be held in September before the cancellation was announced. 

Although the typical event has been canceled, officials revealed a “bridge to the future” with an auto-centric event called Motor Bella. Motor Bella will be held from September  21-26, 2021, at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan.

“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 Executive Director Rod Alberts. “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.”

Those attending can expect a multi-sensory experience at the new event. Plans call for the event to offer 1.6 million square feet of dynamic vehicle and technology display space including terrain ideal for showcasing off-roading capabilities.

"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,” Alberts stated.

The planned dates for the 2021 Motor Bella are:

  • 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

There has been no official word on the NAIAS plans for 2022.

 

CHECK IT OUT: Virtual Michigan Car Show

 

 

 

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