2020 Detroit Motor Show canceled; venue repurposed as hospital

The U.S. currently has the most COVID-19 confirmed cases in the world with 181,035 cases as of April 1, 2020. Michigan, where the Detroit Auto Show is supposed to be held, have at least 7,615 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 259 deaths – which makes the state one of the major epicenters in the U.S. for the coronavirus.

2020 North American International Auto Show Canceled | Detroit Auto Show

With that said, the 2020 Detroit Auto Show has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the good side, TCF Center, the venue for the motor show, is being utilized as a field hospital by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for coronavirus patients for at least six months. The TCF Center will host approximately 900-bed spaces.

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“Although we are disappointed, there is nothing more important to us than the health, safety, and well-being of the citizens of Detroit and Michigan, and we will do what we can to support our community’s fight against the coronavirus outbreak,” Rod Alberts, executive director of the show, said in a statement announcing the decision.

We might remember the 2019 Detroit Auto Show for highlighting the much-anticipated Toyota Supra. The 2020 version carries a 3.0L turbo straight-six engine that produces 335 hp and 495 Nm of torque.

2020 Toyota Supra in 2019 Detroit Auto Show

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Ford showed its support for the decision. "We fully support NAIAS organizers 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," said a company spokesperson.

Several other international car shows were canceled including the Beijing Auto Show, Geneva Motor Show, and our very own Manila International Auto Show. The Detroit show was moved to June 11, 2021 – this means that the show will include outdoor activities such as test drives. If NAIAS kept the initial January schedule, then outdoor activities won’t be practical because of the Michigan winter conditions.

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