2025 Detroit Auto Show roars back with 275,000 attendees

One of the largest auto shows in the US

The 2025 Detroit Auto Show marked a triumphant return this January, capturing the enthusiasm of automotive enthusiasts and providing an exciting array of experiences for attendees. With a record-breaking 275,000 visitors over its 11-day run, the event has firmly positioned itself as one of the largest and most influential auto shows in the United States.

Held at Huntington Place in Detroit, the show featured 34 brands, nearly 500 vehicles, and innovative activations, including four immersive indoor tracks. Ford Motor Company stole the spotlight with the reveal of two special-edition Mustangs. At the same time, The Gallery’s return after a seven-year hiatus drew crowds eager to see over 50 ultra-luxury vehicles.

Sam Klemet, Executive Director of the Detroit Auto Show, expressed immense excitement about the event. “Bringing the Detroit Auto Show back to January felt like coming home; there was a sense of familiarity and community, of being right where we belong,” Klemet said. “The attendees’ energy and excitement of interacting with over 30 vehicle brands and participating in the various activations created a momentum that will carry through to the 2026 show.”

Karl Zimmermann, Chairman of the 2025 Detroit Auto Show, echoed these sentiments. “It was fantastic to kick off the January show with a line-up of vehicles and experiences that families could truly enjoy,” he said. “Consumers could ‘shop’ for their next vehicle, with hundreds of cars and trucks all under one roof. The four tracks alone offered more than 100,000 rides to prospective buyers.”

The event’s economic impact was also significant. According to David Sowerby, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at Ancora, the 2025 Detroit Auto Show contributed an estimated $370 million to the region. Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit, highlighted the broader economic impact, noting that the event attracted Detroiters and visitors who supported local businesses and dining establishments.

The Detroit Auto Show is not only about showcasing the latest vehicles but also making a positive impact on the local community. The annual Charity Preview, a black-tie event that raises money for local children’s charities, attracted 7,000 attendees and raised $1.7 million. Since its inception in 1976, the event has generated over $125 million for charitable causes in Southeastern Michigan.

Social media engagement played a key role in the 2025 show’s success. The event reached over 30 million people across various platforms, with 7 million video views. Website traffic to the show’s site, detroitautoshow.com, saw an 87% increase compared to the previous year’s event, further solidifying the show’s digital impact.

In addition to traditional vehicle displays, the 2025 show featured a range of exciting new activities and partnerships. One such collaboration was with Modded Detroit, a prominent local automotive enthusiast group. Modded Detroit showcased more than 150 modified vehicles, spotlighting the creative talent within the Metro Detroit community. Another notable addition was Racing Day, presented by the Detroit Grand Prix. This event featured a Detroit Grand Prix-themed track and appearances from top racing drivers, including two-time Indy 500 Champion Josef Newgarden.

A collaboration with lifestyle brand Hagerty and Vanguard Motors brought a taste of Hollywood to the show, featuring classic cars and iconic vehicles from films. Attendees were also treated to a “Detroit Through the Decades” display that showcased vehicles spanning various eras, further connecting Detroit’s rich automotive history with modern-day innovations.

The 2025 show also emphasised future talent with initiatives like the Future Leaders Forum, presented by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. The event brought together 350 STEM students from 17 universities and hundreds of high schoolers, offering them opportunities to engage with industry professionals and experience the future of mobility first-hand. Additionally, the partnership with the Michigan Science Centre provided hands-on STEM activities for younger visitors, helping to inspire the next generation of auto enthusiasts.

A particularly heartwarming addition was Driven by Service Day, a day dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy. In partnership with the Detroit Public Schools Community District, the initiative included a week-long clothing drive that collected more than 2,200 warm clothing items. The event culminated with programming that honoured local students and community leaders.

The show also expanded its floor space, adding over 200,000 square feet to accommodate more exhibits. This expansion enabled the show to offer even more vehicle and technology showcases and innovative displays highlighting the latest automotive advancements and mobility solutions.

Regarding vehicle displays, the show featured 34 brands, including a stunning collection of 50 prestigious cars in The Gallery. Curated from Metro Detroit dealerships and private collections, the display featured luxury vehicles worth a staggering $30 million from brands like Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche.

The four indoor tracks also allowed attendees to experience vehicles in action. Over 100,000 rides were taken on the tracks, including the Ford Bronco Built Wild Track, Camp Jeep, Detroit Grand Prix-themed track, and the Powering Michigan EV Experience track. These tracks offered attendees the chance to get behind the wheel or experience the performance capabilities of various vehicles, from rugged off-roaders to sleek electric cars.

The 2025 Detroit Auto Show also hosted the Mobility Global Forum, a two-day symposium featuring 94 speakers from global OEMs, tech companies, startups, and universities. This event brought thought leaders together to discuss the future of mobility and the changing landscape of the automotive industry, offering valuable insights into the evolving role of technology in transportation.

The success of the 2025 Detroit Auto Show is a testament to Detroit’s enduring influence as the Motor City. Focusing on innovation, community engagement, and a spectacular lineup of vehicles, the event once again proved its significance as a premier automotive event.

As Klemet put it, “It was an incredible week-and-a-half in the Motor City, one that allowed us to show the world Detroit’s unparalleled connection with its cars and community. My Drive. My City. My Show. It is more than a slogan. It embodies the spirit of the Detroit Auto Show.”

Image: The 2025 Detroit Auto Show hosted the Mobility Global Forum. Credit: Detroit Auto Show

Last Updated on 14 hours by News Desk 2