Detroit’s 2020 NAIAS (North American International Auto Show) has been canceled as FEMA (the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency) is expected to convert the TCF Center—formerly known as Cobo Center—into a temporary hospital for at least the next six months amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The annual auto show was scheduled to take place during Summer rather than Winter for the first time this year; event organisers say the show will resume in June 2021 and will include the events planned for this year.
Area hospitals are already nearing capacity, and Michigan Governor Whitmer has issued a stay-at-home order for the state. “The health and welfare of the citizens of Detroit and Michigan is paramount”, said NAIAS Executive Director Rod Alberts. “TCF Center is the ideal location for this important function at this critical and unprecedented time.” NAIAS Chairman Doug North said “Our primary concern is the health and wellbeing of the community and all of our partners are supportive of trying to help get this virus under control”, adding that the organisations that would have benefited from the 2020 NAIAS charity event are still expected to be taken care of as a new fundraising event is being discussed.
Ford expressed their support of the auto show’s postponement amid the international outbreak: “We fully support NAIAS organisers in their postponement. The health and safety of our community and those working throughout the industry is our top priority. We look forward to seeing the show’s return in 2021”, Ford officials said.
Still expected to be taken care of as a new fundraising event is being discussed.
Paris Auto Auto Show which should be held end of September-October will not be maintened in its current form said yesterday, the organisators who are studying all the alternative solutions in close collaboration with their main partners and will continue to keep us informed, in real time, as and when decisions are taken.