Audi Drops Detroit Auto Show

Audi AG has joined BMW and Mercedes-Benz in opting out of next January’s Detroit auto show.

All three of the German brands say they are reviewing auto shows in general in terms of value, media exposure and the timing of their own product announcements. The trio represents 5% of the U.S. new-car market.

Those carmakers aren’t the first to step away from the Detroit event. Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, Mini, Mitsubishi, Porsche and Volvo each has done so over the past few years (Porsche quit, returned and quit again). These seven brands account for 4.1% of the U.S. market.

Nissan (with a 10% market share) abandoned the show several years ago, then returned.

Detroit show organizers are contemplating moving their event in 2020 from December to October and expanding it with outdoor exhibits and demonstration areas.