Have you heard? Stellantis, the corporation behind Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo, are pulling the plug on auto show participation. I get it, sort of. But I’m also sad – big auto shows are dying, and they have been at least partially responsible for my love of all things car-related.
Why are Dodge, Jeep, and Ram Done With American Auto Shows?
According to Automotive News Canada, because:
“With a focus on preserving business fundamentals to mitigate the impact of a challenging automotive market in North America, Stellantis is working to optimize its marketing strategy as it relates to auto shows.”
The real reason? All of FCA’s automakers are suddenly in a tough spot – they just stopped selling all their cool cars. Charger, Challenger, Chrysler 300, all dead. Even the RAM TRX isn’t long for this world, with 2024 being the last year.
On the surface, I get it. Auto shows are meant to display aspirational cars as well as the minivans, and with FCA having none left, why go to a show for a minivan? I should also add that even if you were to see a car like an Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio, it would be locked and you couldn’t sit inside anyway. Boo.
But they’ve done it to themselves by killing everything off so quickly, with nothing being ready to replace them. And it’s okay to admit that you’re not even excited about an EV Charger, so you wouldn’t go see it at the show anyway.
It’s not just them – BMW left a long time ago. So did Volvo, Mercedes…the list grows each year.
How much longer will the “big” auto show be around?
It’s tough to say. I don’t get to see the crowds on media days, but 20 years ago it was packed wall to wall.
There are still big players like GM, Hyundai, Ford, and Volkswagen. But nearly all the luxury brands have left – I suspect the clientele prefers to skip the crowds and visit places like BMW’s Ultimate Driving Event. If I’m honest, that’s a much better way to experience a car (you know, actually driving it), but there’s no longer a place to see all the cars at once.
Plus, those events come to you, a previous problem if you didn’t live in Los Angeles, Detroit, or New York for the big shows.
Auto show displays are expensive to produce and transport, and the buzz surrounding the shows are lacking. Auto makers used to debut a ton of new models for every show each year, but with the advent of the 24/7 digital news cycle, model years are much less of a thing.
Blame car shows and the SEMA culture
Well, not blame them, but they’ve helped push.
20 years ago, if you wanted to see a Lamborghini, you had to go to a big auto show. Now, they are there every Sunday at a Cars & Coffee.
And SEMA, the big annual aftermarket car show in Las Vegas, has helped produce a culture of individuality. I think it’s great, but why see a stock M3 when you can see a wide body example with a turbo sticking out of the hood at SEMA?
I’ll be going to the New York Auto Show this year. How much longer after 2024 remains to be seen – hopefully it’s awhile.
Call me an optimist.
Want your car reviewed?
If you live in the tri-state area and want me to check it out, send me an email!
Support the cause
Commissions may be received for product links on this site. Help out if you can.
I use Nikon camera bodies and lenses, a Westcott Ice Light 2, Manfrotto tripod, B + W filters and an iMac Pro to make the art you see here.
Follow along on Instagram @machineswithsouls
