Following in Porsche ’s footsteps, Suzuki has announced that it will be pulling out of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The announcement marks the second automaker to leave the Detroit show in the last two years and could be the first real sign that the NAIAS is in serious jeopardy of becoming a second-tier show.
While Porsche cited a lack of customer base for its reason to abandon the show, Suzuki decided to nix the Detroit show from its schedule because Cobo Hall didn’t provide the space the Japanese automaker required. “From a Suzuki standpoint they were in need of space — more than they were allocated,” Rod Alberts, executive director of the NAIAS, told The Detroit News.
The media has often criticized the size of Cobo Hall, but this is the first time an automaker has spoken out against the aging facility. Suzuki plans to unveil three new products in the next 18 months, all of which will be unveiled in other cities.
Organizers of the Detroit show recognize Cobo Hall’s shortcomings and are currently pushing for a 120,000 square foot expansion. However, legislation has largely stalled and other options – such as selling the title “North American International Auto Show” to Chicago’s show – are currently being explored.
