Detroit's Major Auto Show Features Only One Unveiling, And That's No Mistake | Carscoops
Only one world debut has been confirmed for Detroit’s 2026 auto show, despite an increase in both brands and attendees returning.
The upcoming Detroit show will feature 27 brands, a rise from 22 last year.
Organizers expect over 275,000 attendees, an increase from the previous year's turnout.
Once the key event in America’s automotive calendar, the Detroit Auto Show has experienced a decline in significance in recent years. Like many large auto exhibitions globally, it has had to reassess its identity in a post-COVID environment. As the 2026 edition gets ready to begin next week, only one global reveal has been officially announced.
Organizers indicate that 27 brands will be attending this month's event, up from last year's 22. Notable manufacturers set to showcase in Detroit include Subaru, GM, Ford, Stellantis, Toyota, and Kia.
They will also be accompanied by several dealerships presenting a variety of vehicles from brands like Honda, Hyundai, Audi, Ferrari, Ineos, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Polestar, Land Rover, and Mini.
A new version or special edition of the Ford Bronco is anticipated to be unveiled at the event, with Ford planning to reveal the model at a dedicated media gathering on January 13. Although this reveal won't occur within the show itself, Ford will remain prominent, as its Detroit headquarters will also host the launch of Red Bull Racing’s 2027 Formula 1 car, alongside a possible new sports car, on January 15.
Although not classified as debuts, Ram is expected to showcase the new 1500 SRT TRX and the diesel-powered Power Wagon, allowing attendees a closer look at both trucks.
At the show, guests can look forward to a more interactive setup. This year’s event will feature five compact test tracks integrated into the show floor, providing visitors the chance to ride in several displayed vehicles.
Detroit will once again be the venue for the 2026 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards.
Speaking with Auto News, the executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association expressed optimism that attendance for the 2026 show will exceed last year’s number of 275,000 visitors.
Klement remarked, “I think the evolution of our show is very much a content show. We can cater to everyone. We have the big Ford event on Tuesday night, and newsmakers from around the world will come to discuss the industry. Then we open it to the public for events like Charity Preview, where people can share content and engage with global audiences via their phones, highlighting the value of having everything under one roof.”
Brussels Launches with Global Premieres
Detroit is not the only city hosting a significant automotive event this January. In Belgium, the Brussels Motor Show has just opened and is expected to be the largest European car exhibition of the year.
A standout reveal in Brussels is the global premiere of the Kia EV2, announced earlier today. The show will also feature several European debuts, including the latest generation Hyundai Nexo and two recent Hyundai concept vehicles: the Concept Three and the Insteroid.
Among the other vehicles showcased at the Brussels event are an updated Alfa Romeo Tonale, the brand new Alpine A390, Leapmotor’s B03X, and various models from Nio, including its entry-level Firefly. Additionally, Renault’s newly unveiled Twingo will be on display.
Other articles
Detroit's Major Auto Show Features Only One Unveiling, And That's No Mistake | Carscoops
So far, only one reveal has been confirmed for Detroit's 2026 auto show, despite an increase in the number of brands and attendees participating.
