The NAIAS 2019 or North American International Auto Show, which takes place on January 14 to the 27th in Detroit, Michigan, will present some of the most anticipated and innovative models in the automotive industry, making it one of the most important international auto shows in the world.
What sets NAIAS apart from the rest?
For years, Detroit was the automotive capital of the world and served as a major car production hub, resulting in the creation of three of America’s main automotive companies, Ford, Chrysler and General Motors. As time progressed the headquarters of these companies dedicated themselves to exploring and incorporating autonomous driving, electric cars and development of avant-garde automotive technology into their designs. Thus living up to the city’s official nickname “The Motor City”.
As a result, thousands of journalists, automotive industry professionals, fans and tourists from all over the world flock to the city every year to see what cars will be presented at the North American International Auto Show.
NAIAS 2019: main news, presentations and missing brands
For the first time in the event’s 31-year history, three of the most important German brands in the industry have declined to participate. The first to announce its absence from the event was Mercedes-Benz, followed shortly after by Audi and BMW, unleashing a wave of criticism and a major debate about the future of automotive conventions.
These iconic companies declared that the operational and advertising costs that this type of event requires ceased to be profitable due to the new communication channels and models available to them.
Today, companies prefer to launch their latest models through innovative methods such as games or videos that are broadcasted on Youtube, Facebook or Instagram, allowing them to reach millions of people in minutes. Manufacturers have also begun to follow suit, and host their own launch events with invitees ranging from communicators and influencers, allowing them to reach more people through their respective audiences.
Due to this great commercial challenge. the organizers of the NAIAS have decided that for its next edition, in the year 2020, the event will be held in June in order to carry out more recreational and interactive activities with outdoor vehicles.
However, despite these efforts for next year’s event, this year’s absences still present a large problem by providing huge opportunities for other competitors. As a result, the Eastern and North American brands have decided to bring out the big guns and present their most important and impressive car models to help combat this. Let’s review some of the cars that have generated the most buzz amongst car enthusiasts and professionals:
Toyota Supra A90
One of the most anticipated vehicles of the event is the new Toyota Supra A90. The Supra is one of the most successful Japanese sports cars in history and its new model is no exception of the brand’s overall excellence. The new Supra has a motorization that will exceed 350 horsepower and includes cutting-edge technologies such as adaptive suspensions, a differential with electronic lock, large caliber Brembo brakes and special edition Michelin tires.
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In addition to Toyota’s latest offering, Subaru has announced that it will present its new limited edition of its WRX sports sedan at this year’s show, known as the STI S209. This high-performance version far exceeds 300 horsepower and will be sold exclusively in North American markets. The WRX is one of the most successful family sports cars in history of the United States.
Telluride
KIA, one of the Japanese manufacturers that has grown the most in popularity due to its high quality vehicles, will present its Telluride luxury van. KIA presented the Telluride previously as a conceptual vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in 2016 but with its official launch in the market set for 2019, the company seeks to conquer the world of luxury family vans by offering a preview of the car at this year’s show.
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With a sophisticated design and capacity for seven passengers, this truck will be a strong competitor for brands such as Range Rover, Mercedes Benz and the Cadillac XT6.
Among the most outstanding features of the Telluride truck are its two engines, a traditional 3.5-liter V6 and an electric motor, which promises a fuel efficiency rarely seen in vehicles of this caliber.
INFINITI QX Inspiration
For car lovers, one of the most entertaining things at these types of events is to see the companies latest concept cars. One of this year’s most anticipated concept cars at the 2019 edition of the NAIAS is the electric QX truck by the Japanese manufacturer, INFINITI.
Although INFINITI has not revealed whether it will launch this vehicle to the market yet, it is known that the brand has been exploring the possibility of competing with Tesla’s Model X, which remains the only fully electric luxury van in the market. The technical specifications and the design details of this car have been kept confidential, so we will have to wait and see what INFINITI is going to present at the Detroit Auto Show.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Without a doubt, the most anticipated car of the NAIAS 2019 is the new model of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The new version of this iconic American muscle car promises to be a show-stopping experience, with a demonstration of its dual transmission V8 engine that reaches up to 780 horsepower. Although Ford has revealed only a few details about the Shelby, the expectations are very high among fans of the Mustang brand.
The first model of this vehicle will be auctioned shortly after the North American International Auto Show in benefit of the Society for the Fight against Juvenile Diabetes in the city of Scottsdale, Arizona.
NAIAS 2019: what you cannot miss
On January 12, “The Gallery” gala will be held, which is considered the event that unofficially starts the NAIAS. The Gallery consists of a gourmet dinner and an ultra luxury car presentation of the brands Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Rolls Royce. The collection exceeds $10 million.
On January 16 and 17 special days will be held for industry professionals, experts and specialists, in conjunction with the start of Automobili-D, the most important technological development and transport convention in the continent.
On January 18, the traditional “Charity Preview” will be held for the benefit of the less fortunate children of Michigan.
Finally, between January 19 and 27, the doors open to the general public at the Cobo Center, which has been the preferred convention center for the NAIAS organizers since 1965. ■
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