The Chicago Auto Show, the nation’s largest and longest-running auto show, made a triumphant return in 2024, offering car enthusiasts and families alike an immersive experience into the world of automobiles. Held from February 10-19 at McCormick Place, the 116th edition of the show continued to draw large crowds, welcoming nearly 260,000 attendees[6].
## Show Highlights
The 2024 Chicago Auto Show featured an impressive array of vehicles, including world debuts and first-time appearances:
– **World Debuts**: The show saw the unveiling of the 2025 Kia Carnival and 2025 Kia K5[6].
– **First-Time Appearances**: Lucid and Tesla made their Chicago Auto Show debuts, with Tesla showcasing its highly anticipated Cybertruck[6][3].
– **Returning Brands**: Mazda made a comeback to the show, courtesy of Napleton Auto Group, much to the delight of Mazda enthusiasts[6].
Other notable vehicles on display included the Buick Envision, Cadillac Escalade IQ, 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and Traverse, Ford Explorer, GMC Hummer Earthcruiser, Nissan ARIYA Pole to Pole, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Volkswagen ID.Buzz[6].
## Interactive Experiences
The show offered various interactive experiences for attendees:
– **Indoor Test Tracks**: Three indoor test tracks allowed visitors to experience vehicles firsthand. Ford’s “Built Wild” track featured the Bronco family, including a 38-degree hill climb. Hyundai offered rides in their EV lineup, while the Chicago Drives Electric track showcased nearly double the number of brands compared to the previous year[6][1].
– **Chicago Drives Electric**: This dedicated area featured an indoor EV test track and an EV education hub, addressing topics such as at-home charging, range anxiety, and EV ownership costs[1][4].
– **Outdoor Test Drives**: Attendees could sign up for outdoor test drives at the Ford, Kia, and Subaru displays[2].
## Special Events and Themed Days
The 2024 show introduced several special events and themed days to cater to diverse interests:
– **Chicago Friday Night Flights**: A local craft beer sampling event[1].
– **Toyota Miles Per Hour Run**: A unique 2.4-mile loop inside McCormick Place before the show’s public opening[1].
– **First Look for Charity**: The black-tie charity gala held on February 9, which has raised $60 million for local charities since its inception[1][4].
– **Themed Days**: The show featured special days such as Game Day, Automotive Career Day, a Food Drive, First Responders & Military Appreciation Day, and Family Day[7].
## Attendance and Impact
Despite challenges in the automotive industry, the Chicago Auto Show demonstrated strong attendance, with Co-General Manager Jennifer Morand noting a 50% growth year over year since the pandemic[4]. The show continued to serve as a cornerstone event for the city of Chicago, showcasing the latest in automotive technology and design[1][4].
## Conclusion
The 2024 Chicago Auto Show successfully combined tradition with innovation, offering a comprehensive look at the current and future state of the automotive industry. From electric vehicles to classic cars, and from interactive experiences to educational opportunities, the show provided something for everyone, cementing its status as a must-attend event for car enthusiasts and families alike.
