The 2023 Chicago Auto Show: A Triumphant Return to Form
The 115th edition of the Chicago Auto Show, held from February 11-20, 2023, marked a significant comeback for North America’s largest and longest-running auto show. Returning to its traditional two-hall footprint at McCormick Place, the event welcomed over 300,000 attendees, a substantial increase of 100,000 visitors compared to the previous year[2][3].
## Highlights and Debuts
The 2023 show featured an impressive array of exhibits from global automakers, showcasing new vehicle introductions and concept cars. Notable debuts included:
– 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary editions
– 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
– 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
– 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport
Other standout vehicles on display were the BMW XM, Cadillac LYRIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai IONIQ 6, and Toyota Prius[3][4].
## Interactive Experiences
A major draw for attendees was the abundance of interactive exhibits and test drive opportunities. The show featured seven indoor test tracks and four outdoor test drive experiences, resulting in nearly 150,550 in-vehicle driving experiences over the 10-day event[3][4].
Some of the popular interactive exhibits included:
– Camp Jeep: Celebrating its 3 millionth rider, this indoor track allowed attendees to experience Jeep models on a 28-foot hill at a 40-degree angle[2][3].
– Toyota’s electrified indoor track: Showcasing the Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, and Tundra[3].
– Ford’s Built Wild and Built to Electrify tracks: Demonstrating the Ford Bronco’s off-road capabilities and the F-150 Lightning’s electric performance[3][4].
– Chicago Drives Electric: A 100,000-square-foot track featuring various EVs from BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Nissan, and Volkswagen[3][4].
## Special Events and Activities
The 2023 show also brought back fan-favorite events, enhancing the overall experience:
– Toyota Miles Per Hour run: Over 500 runners participated in a 60-minute, 2.4-mile loop through the show floor[2][3].
– Chicago Friday Night Flights: A craft beer sampling event featuring 10 local breweries, attracting more than 650 attendees[2][3].
– Subaru’s National Parks exhibit and daily dog adoption event: In partnership with Anderson Humane, helping to place over 50 homeless dogs with attendees[2][3].
## Industry Impact and Future Outlook
The success of the 2023 Chicago Auto Show signals a positive trend for the automotive industry and auto shows in general. Chicago Auto Show Co-General Manager Dave Sloan noted, “Not missing a show during the pandemic has proven critical to the momentum we’re enjoying now”[3][4].
The event’s impact extended beyond the show floor, with local dealerships reporting increased sales during the show period. This demonstrates the continued relevance and influence of auto shows in driving consumer interest and sales in the automotive sector[4].
As the industry continues to evolve, particularly with the growing emphasis on electric vehicles, the Chicago Auto Show remains a vital platform for automakers to showcase their latest innovations and connect with consumers. The 2024 Chicago Auto Show is scheduled for February 8-17, promising another exciting showcase of automotive technology and design[8].
