The Best Auto Shows to Visit
Beyond the most basic components, each car show has its own vibe and agenda. As we discuss the eight of the best international auto shows, visit the linked homepages to learn more about what you can expect at each show and location.
And don’t hesitate, make your travel plans now! 2019 will be over before you know it.
1. Tokyo Motor Show
Known for its high concentration of concept vehicles, the 46thTokyo Motor Show will be held from October 24 through November 4 at the Tokyo Waterfront City. It is one of the largest automotive shows held internationally.
2. North American International Auto Show
Often referred to as the NAIAS, this show will be held early in 2019, from January 14 through the 27. Also offered as a virtual auto show, the event can be found at its physical location, the MGM Grand Detroit. Attendees should expect to find high-dollar names like Porsche, Rolls Royce, and Bentley representing their stock.
This year, the NAIAS will feature “The Drive Home IV.” Participants will road rally from Houston, Texas all the way to Detroit for the opening of the NAIAS. Ceremonies will also be held for the recipients of the North American Car and Truck of the Year.
3. Goodwood Festival of Speed
With a name like that, who needs convincing?
This three-day event starting July 4 will be held in West Sussex, England. It is there that attendees will be able to see F1 cars — along with meeting their drivers — supercars from the likes of Michelin, and a whole host of the most beautiful cars in the world. While the Central Feature of the show changes each year, the infamous Hillclimb continues as always. And per tradition, the entire affair will be held on the historically-steeped grounds of the Goodwood estate.
4. Monterey Car Week
Encapsulating the renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Monterey Car Week will be held in the midsummer heat from August 9 to 18. Though the Pebble Beach event hosts only 200 collector cars, a select few of which are awarded prizes based on “style, technical merit and historical accuracy,” the entire week also includes competitions on the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Many of the week’s events do require a small entrance fee. For those on a budget, there’s no need to dismiss this show quite yet since there are a handful of free events as well.
5. Auto Shanghai
With the theme of “the car becomes digital,” this year’s show will focus on the issues many in the industry are already pondering. From April 18 through the 25, manufacturers, suppliers, enthusiasts, and various media outlets will enjoy local models alongside North American and European imports as well.
The 2019 Auto Shanghai will be held at the National Center for Exhibition and Convention.
6. Chicago Auto Show
As one of the oldest auto shows in North America, the Chicago Auto Show was first held in 1901. The event was managed by Samuel A. Miles, who is often considered the “father of the modern auto show.” With that much pedigree, make sure to mark your calendars for February 9 through the 18 for this 10-day long event.
7. Frankfurt Motor Show
Known to the German people as the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA), the Frankfurt Motor Show is actually split into two separate shows due to its size. In even-numbered years, commercial vehicles are shown in Hannover. Frankfurt hosts passenger vehicles in odd-numbered years, as it will in 2019.
The first Frankfurt Motor Show was held in Berlin in 1897. Volkswagen debuted at this show in 1939, where over 825,000 enthusiasts attended. Come September 12 through the 22, Frankfurt will be at it again, exhibiting models that represent the year’s theme of “driving tomorrow.”
8. Geneva International Motor Show
Make peace with your inner gearhead by attending the Geneva International Motor Show, held from March 7 through the 17 at the Palexpo Convention Center. Last year, Jaguar unveiled its I-Pace to attendees, so expect big things for this year’s show.
Your Auto Show Bucket List
We hope you’ve enjoyed this quick glance at the eight of the best international auto shows. And whether you attend in person, online, or just in spirit, make it a memorable experience. Cars as you know them will not be around forever.
Agnieszka Skalska / Shutterstock
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