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2023 Detroit Auto Show Offers New Engagement Opportunities for Automotive & Mobility Suppliers

With the Detroit Auto Show recently revealing highlights of the September 2023 show – with more automaker brands participating, a new EV Experience indoor track, added street course ride-and-drives and an inaugural, content-rich Mobility Global Forum – some automotive and mobility suppliers are wondering how they might participate in the revitalized event.  

With three months until the show opens, organizers report there are ample opportunities for suppliers of all sizes to engage with customers, automakers, media, analysts, investors and potential employees at one of the industry’s premier events.

Detroit Auto Show Background

Held at Huntington Place in Detroit, the show kicks off with Media Day on Wednesday, Sept. 13.  Technology Days/AutoMobili-D and the Mobility Global Forum are slated for Wednesday, Sept. 13 – Thursday, Sept. 14, and the signature black-tie Charity Preview event is slated for Friday, Sept. 15.  The show opens to the public Saturday, Sept. 16 – Sunday, Sept. 24. 

According to show officials, the 2023 event has garnered strong support from Ford, GM and Stellantis – with all three committed to participating with their full brand portfolio. 

Brand-specific tracks from Jeep, Ram and Ford will return, along with new experiential activations.  Multiple vehicle debuts have been confirmed for the show, and there will be increased representation from a number of automaker brands.  Show officials expect double the number of participating brands.  

New Mobility Forum 

One opportunity for suppliers to engage in the event is through sponsorship of the inaugural Mobility Global Forum, which will be held concurrently with Media and Technology Days at the 2023 Detroit Auto Show.

This executive two-day symposium will address the changing world of mobility and transportation and feature C-level keynotes from the world’s leading automakers, with the trends and issues facing today’s ever-changing automotive industry being discussed.

Fireside chats and themed panels hosted by industry journalists are also being scheduled on the main show floor and nearby designated ballrooms. Among potential topics are:

• Electrification and Consumer Adoption
• The Global State of Electric Vehicles
• The Digital Future of Mobility 
• Trends in Connected Vehicle Technologies
• Battery Technology Advancements 
• Sustainability Developments and Opportunities 
• Is the Country’s Infrastructure Ready for Vehicle Electrification 
• Supply Chain Update and International Challenges 
• Connected Car Priorities and their Community and Safety Impacts 
• Autonomous Vehicle Technology 
• Retailing Electric Vehicles – Pricing and Sales Processes 
• Future of the Electric Grid – Alternative Power Sources/Investments Required 
• The Talent Challenge – Workforce Development, Training and Job Retention Strategies 
• The AI Revolution – It’s Impact on the Auto Industry of Today and Tomorrow 
• Government Policies and their Impact on Vehicle Technology Development 
• The Changing World of the Factory Floor

AutoMobili-D Continues Its Run of Innovation

Again this year, AutoMobili-D’s technology showcase will exhibit start-ups, scale-ups and legacy suppliers demonstrating innovative technologies and in-vehicle inventions – in an expanded location on the main show floor. Some 150 start-ups are expected.

Suppliers can participate with a wide range of booth, vehicle pod and hospitality packages. There are four sizes of turnkey AutoMobili-D exhibit packages, ranging from 300 sq. ft. to 800+ sq. ft. ($28,000), as well as 20 ft. circular vehicle pod areas.

Of course, all AutoMobili-D exhibitors will receive marketing and public relations support including identification in AutoMobili-D listings, promotional materials and social media posts, the ability to use show logo and name, opportunity (at additional cost) to host a press conference on the AutoMobili-D stage, and corporate credential packages.

EV Drive Experiences Abound

In recognition of the surge in interest in electric vehicles, this year’s show will offer both indoor and outdoor EV ride and drive experiences for which suppliers can provide vehicles.

An indoor EV Experience track will be located on the main show floor to provide visitors with the opportunity to ride along in a variety of vehicles and brands throughout the show, hosted by a company’s product specialist. Charging stations along the track will provide demonstrations of the EV charging process and handle the vehicles on the track.

Outside, the Outdoor Street Course Experience will enable the rider to take a tour of the open street track used by the recent Detroit Grand Prix IndyCar race. Participating companies can provide 2-3 vehicles for EV, ADAS or autonomous technology demonstrations on this course, which will include real-world, real-time traffic, as the course is open to the public.

It’s no secret that auto shows have changed with the times. It’s also no secret that even with these changes, the Detroit Auto Show is still one of the best places for automotive and mobility suppliers to meet up with, and show their latest technologies to automakers, potential partners and media.

More Information

Visit naias.com for the most up-to-date show details, including press conference schedules, show times, tickets prices, hotel information and other details.

For more information on specific sponsorship opportunities, interested parties should email The Fulkerson Group at lauren@fulkersongroup.com.

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