If COVID-19 remains a concern next summer, the North American International Auto Show might welcome fewer journalists from around the world or limit the number of tickets to the Charity Preview.
The key is flexibility.
Rod Alberts, the executive director of both the show and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, explained, with show Chairman Doug North, what the so-called new normal might mean for the show when it returns to Detroit next year.
The Detroit auto show, which was canceled for this year in March because of the coronavirus pandemic and the decision to turn the TCF Center into a field hospital, is "teed up to be adaptable," Alberts said during an Automotive Press Association video conference. Because the show is made up of a number of events, attendees could be limited if needed for social distancing.
"For example, instead of 5,000 media during press preview, maybe we cap it at 3,000 or less. Maybe we look at cutting off registration for industry preview or only selling a limited number of Charity Preview tickets. Plus, we’ve added 14 acres outside which doubles our footprint for social distancing if needed," Alberts said.
The outside aspect was to be a new feature this year because the show was scheduled for its big move to June from its traditional January time frame, a reaction to a dramatically shifting auto show landscape globally.
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Organizers are already discussing changes, should they be needed, for next year's show, including contactless payment options, more hand-sanitizing stations and appropriate signage for social distancing.
Alberts called it an interesting balancing act.
"We’re planning a show that creates increased high-touch experiences, and yet, we're currently dealing with potential of physical distancing for who knows how long? But we’re confident we’ll find a way to pivot the show to whatever direction is necessary," Alberts said.
In addition during Tuesday's Automotive Press Association event, the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year Awards announced that 36 vehicle models are eligible for the 2021 awards. Winners will be announced in Detroit in January.
"Many automakers have delayed product launches due to COVID-19-caused vehicle development and production delays, making it likely that the total number of eligible vehicles will grow as the year unfolds," a news release said.
Also, the awards organization and the North American International Auto Show announced that they are providing $20,000 each in scholarships and donations to the College of Creative Studies and Feeding America.
Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence.
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