The 2021 Chicago Auto Show: A Special Summer Edition
The Chicago Auto Show made a triumphant return in 2021 with a special summer edition held from July 15-19 at McCormick Place. This marked the first major auto show in North America since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, offering attendees a unique blend of indoor and outdoor experiences.
## A New Format
For the first time in its 120-year history, the Chicago Auto Show took place in the summer rather than its traditional February dates[1]. The show was condensed to a five-day event and moved to McCormick Place’s West Building, allowing for both indoor exhibits and outdoor activities[2].
## Outdoor Attractions
One of the most exciting additions to the 2021 show was the outdoor Street Fest, which ran for the first four evenings. This new feature included:
– Food trucks and local brews
– Street musicians
– Test drive opportunities
Ford debuted two major outdoor experiences:
1. Built Wild: A 30,000-square-foot Bronco off-road course designed by racecar driver Vaughn Gittin Jr.[12]2. Built to Electrify: An 11,000-square-foot showcase of Ford’s electric vehicle lineup, including the Mustang Mach-E[5]
## Indoor Highlights
Inside McCormick Place, attendees could explore a wide range of vehicles and experiences:
– Camp Jeep and Ram Truck Territory: Popular indoor test tracks returned, allowing visitors to experience off-road capabilities[24]– New Vehicle Debuts: Several automakers unveiled new models, including:
– 2022 Nissan Pathfinder and Frontier[7]– Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid[3]– 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross[3]– Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV[3]
## Test Drives and Technology
The show offered numerous opportunities for attendees to get behind the wheel:
– Multiple brands provided outdoor test drives, including Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Subaru, and more[27]– Indoor test tracks showcased vehicle capabilities and new technologies[15]
## Safety Measures
To ensure a safe experience for all attendees, the show implemented various health and safety protocols, making it one of McCormick Place’s first live, in-person events since the pandemic began[4].
## Conclusion
The 2021 Chicago Auto Show successfully adapted to challenging circumstances, offering a fresh take on the traditional auto show format. By combining indoor exhibits with outdoor activities and test drive opportunities, the event provided attendees with an engaging and interactive experience, setting a new standard for future auto shows in the post-pandemic era[23].
