The 2021 Chicago Auto Show will be held July 15-19, organizers officially announced Tuesday. If all goes to plan, it will be the first major US auto show to return after the pandemic hiatus.
The organizers posted an announcement on the show’s official website outlining the scope of the ‘special edition’ show, which will move to McCormick Place’s West Building, where it can pour in the sun to take advantage of the summer weather – a wild concept for a show usually held in February. This allows for test rides and other outdoor options that are otherwise more limited by indoor location.
“We spent months working with officials at McCormick Place on an opening plan and very early on they saw that our show could be a way to reopen the facility,” said Dave Sloan, general manager of Chicago Auto Show. “We are committed to providing a safe environment for all involved and will carefully adhere to the health and safety protocols and guidelines set by city and state officials. McCormick Place is a major economic driver for our city and state, and we take this very seriously and the responsibility that comes with helping to get it back up and running. ”
“While we believe February is the right time for the Chicago Auto Show to have the greatest impact on the area’s industry and economy, we are excited to experiment with the July dates,” said Sloan. “The timing has allowed us to get creative and try new things, and the automakers have really embraced it.”
Provided that Chicago goes according to plan, it will remain in its opening position for the 2021 show season, followed by the Los Angeles Auto Show (starting May 21), then the New York Auto Show (August 20-29) and finally the Detroit Auto Show, which, like Chicago, will run in a limited format in 2021 under the banner of the new Motor Bella event to be held in Pontiac.
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