DETROIT – (Jan. 05, 2026) – The 2026 Detroit Auto Show Media and Industry Days includes two full days of events, speakers and news on Wed. Jan. 14 and Thur. Jan. 15 from 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. The Mobility Global Forum takes place simultaneously from the Bedrock Main Show Floor stage with an expansive lineup of 60+ industry experts across 30+ panels and fireside chats that will delve into important and relevant topics driving the mobility industry.
Additionally, special media events including a Ford Motor Company press event and Forgotten Harvest fundraiser will take place on Jan. 13.
Tuesday, January 13
Ford Motor Company Media Event – Detroit Proud: Off-Road Edition 6:00 – 8:00 PM. “Trailgating” begins at 6:00 PM with the event starting at 7:00 PM and showcasing how Ford has become America’s go-to brand for off-road adventure with the unstoppable Bronco, Raptor, and Tremor lineups. Media Invited to RSVP here
The Gallery Fundraiser Benefitting Forgotten Harvest, 7-10 p.m. will be a display of ultra-luxury and performance vehicles and a new community purpose for 2026. Each ticket sold will benefit Metro Detroit’s Forgotten Harvest. Detroit Auto Show executives and Forgotten Harvest CEO Adrian Lewis will be on hand. More information available here.
Wednesday, January 14
7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Automotive Press Association Breakfast, Riverfront Salon West
8:30 a.m. Show Floor opens for media access to 40+ brands and numerous activations. Brand info available here.
Mobility Global Forum runs from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Bedrock Main Show Floor Stage. Highlights are listed below and full panel schedules and speaker information is available here.
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Winners of the 2026 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) Awards™ unveiled
9:55 – 10:25 a.m. 30th Annual S&P Global Mobility Loyalty Awards
12:00 – 12:40 p.m. Signature Fireside Chat with Pete Buttigieg – Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Moderated by Kevin Guskiewicz – President, Michigan State University
12:50 – 1:20 p.m. EyesOn Design Awards
7:00 – 11 p.m. Media & Industry Party Presented by the Detroit Auto Show, Bedrock, Varchas Premium Spirits, and AISIN. Harmonie Club 311 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit. Open to all credentialed media and includes entertainment and open bar as well as shuttle service from Huntington Place and valet.
Thursday, January 15
7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Pancakes and Politics: Detroit Auto Show Edition (Real Times Media, Michigan Chronicle), Ballroom, includes various political figures discussing timely topics.
Mobility Global Forum runs from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Bedrock Main Show Floor Stage. Highlights are listed below and full panel schedules and speaker information is available here.
9:00 – 9:15 a.m. Gretchen Whitmer – Governor, State of Michigan
12:20 – 1:00 p.m. Signature Fireside Chat with The Honorable Bernie Moreno, United States Senator from Ohio and John Bozzella, President & CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation Moderated by Chrissy Taylor from Automotive News
Mobility Global Forum sponsors include Michigan Economic Development Corporation & Office of Future Mobility and Electrification on Jan. 14 and Walker-Miller Energy Services on Jan. 15.
2026 Detroit Auto Show Media and Industry Days Schedule | Schedule, press updates and press release available at detroitautoshow.com.
Signature and New Experiences at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show
- Racing Day presented by the Detroit Grand Prix returns on Jan 20 will feature drivers, stunning race cars, interactive displays and more.
- Return of The Gallery ultra-luxury and exotic vehicle showcase with 50 prestigious automobiles representing 12 brands from Aston Martin to Rolls Royce.
- Modded Detroit one of Michigan’s premier automotive enthusiast groups, returns with a curated showcase of 150+ vehicles that showcases what’s possible on four wheels.
- Charity Preview returns as one of the most charitable events in our city with more than $125 million raised for children’s charities over the years. Multi-platinum recording artist Robin Thicke headlines the evening’s entertainment.
- Michigan Overland Adventure, an all-new immersive activation that celebrates the vehicles, gear, and lifestyle of overlanding featuring custom-built trucks, off-road SUVs, adventure-ready rigs, and expedition equipment from numerous OEMs.
- The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure is a multi-day journey celebrating the 100th anniversary of the historic route beginning in Santa Monica, California, and eventually ending on display in Detroit.
- Visit Detroit Interactive Experience, a dynamic, family-friendly showcase located in the atrium at Huntington Place that is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and career inspiration through a variety of fun activities for kids.
About the Detroit Auto Show
Recognized as one of the world’s most influential automotive events, the Detroit Auto Show offers a platform for cutting-edge automotive and mobility innovations. With immersive experiences, brand-defining vehicles, and hands-on activations, the show invites attendees to experience the future of mobility and the heart of Detroit’s creative energy.
2026 Detroit Auto Show Highlights
- The Gallery Fundraiser: Tuesday, Jan. 13
- Media & Industry Days: Wednesday–Thursday, Jan. 14–15
- Mobility Global Forum: Wednesday–Thursday, Jan. 14–15
- Future Leaders Program (University Student Access & Career Pathways): Thursday, Jan. 15
- Charity Preview: Friday, Jan. 16
- Public Show: Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 17–25
- Racing Day presented by the Detroit Grand Prix: Tuesday, Jan. 20
- Future Leaders Program (High School Student Access & Career Pathways): Wednesday–Thursday, Jan. 21-22
