This article originally appeared on AutoVision News. It has been republished with permission.

Organizers of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), known as the Detroit Auto Show, have scrapped it for this year. Instead, organizers announced a ?bridge to the future? auto-centric event, the Motor Bella, scheduled for September 21st through the 26th at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan. The Motor Bella was originally scheduled to be part of this year?s NAIAS.

COVID-19 Changes NAIAS Schedule

Organizers planned to host this year?s NAIAS event as normal during the summer after canceling the 2020 show due to Detroit?s TCF Center serving as a field hospital for COVID-19 relief. However, with the pandemic?s outcome still uncertain, organizers replaced the NAIAS with Motor Bella and pushed the date to September.
?While auto shows remain an important platform to promote new mobility innovations and to help people make major vehicle purchase decisions, the traditional auto show model is changing,? NAIAS Director Rod Alberts said. ?We cannot ignore the major disruptions caused by the pandemic and the impact it has had on budgets. As such, we will be providing an amazing experience to the media, the auto industry, and the public in a cost-effective way.?

Motor Bella to Showcase New Mobility

Attendees at this year?s all-outdoor event can watch technology and vehicle demonstrations on 1.5-miles of hot track and explore 1.6 million squ...