BMW Becomes Latest Automaker To Withdraw From Detroit Auto Show

The North American International Auto Show has lost another key automaker as Automotive News is reporting BMW is bailing on Detroit.

In a statement, the company said “[The] BMW Group has decided to withdraw from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This decision was made as BMW Group is constantly examining our presence at trade-shows and other engagements, while, at the same time, also exploring alternative platforms and formats.”

The company went on to say their goal is to “communicate our ideas and plans regarding future mobility in the best way and achieve the greatest possible visibility for our products, technologies and innovations.” This effectively means the company no longer sees NAIAS as the best option to achieve these goals.

BMW’s decision to skip Detroit is a serious blow to the show’s reputation as one of the most important auto shows in the United Sates. It also comes a few months after Mercedes decided to pull out of next year’s show.

BMW had a relatively low-key appearance at this year’s show as the company introduced the facelifted i8 coupe and X2 crossover. The automaker also had plans to display the X7 iPerformance concept but the model was damaged during transport.

NAIAS officials have been trying to stop the exodus and are considering moving the show to October. This would eliminate competition from the Consumer Electrics Show but put the NAIAS right after the Frankfurt and Paris shows which trade off every September. The switch to October could also help to reduce costs while also enabling automakers to showcase new products and technologies outside in warmer temperatures.

A vote on the move could happen as early as next month but, if approved, a switch isn’t expected to occur until 2020.