Another Auto Show Comes to an End, This Time in Columbus | Carscoops

      The 2025 Columbus Auto Show has been canceled just days before it was supposed to occur.

      While organizers did not provide many details, they attributed the cancellation to “headwinds in the auto industry.”

      They assured that they are committed to bringing the show back in the future, although auto shows have been declining overall.

      Another auto show has succumbed to challenges, with the 2025 Columbus Auto Show being canceled at the last minute.

      Although it may not have the high profile of events like the Geneva and Frankfurt motor shows, this Ohio event has been a significant fixture in the community for many years, also providing crucial funding for local organizations, as evidenced by the 2024 Charity Gala which raised $150,000.

      Scheduled to begin on March 13, this year’s event will no longer take place as the Columbus Automobile Dealers Association made the "difficult decision not to proceed with a 2025 show." While their reasoning was not clearly defined, they noted the cancellation was due to “headwinds in the auto industry.”

      Officials mentioned they are “working to address these challenges and are committed to ensuring the return of the show in future years.” They are also “exploring new and creative opportunities for events that allow consumers and auto enthusiasts to learn and engage with auto manufacturers and dealers.”

      That outlook doesn’t seem very promising, but auto shows have faced difficulties for years. The 2025 Detroit Auto Show was a mere shadow of its past self, with the unveiling of the Ford Mustang RTR and Mustang GTD Spirit of America leading up to the event, and only the North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year Awards being notable announcements on media day.

      The weak turnout contributed to disappointing attendance, with only 275,000 visitors attending over 11 days, a considerable drop from the 774,179 who came in 2019.