DETIK.COM – The number of visitors to global auto shows continues to decline. Carscoops, an international automotive news site covering global car industry trends and developments, reported a significant drop in attendance at the Detroit Auto Show in Detroit, United States. The show, long known as one of the world’s largest and most prestigious automotive events, attracted only 275,000 visitors in 2025. That number fell sharply from 774,000 six years ago.
However, auto shows still have a major influence on car purchase decisions. According to research by Canadian consumer insight consultancy Clarify Group, car shows continue to attract potential buyers. The study was conducted across three major North American events — the New York Auto Show (New York, U.S.), the Los Angeles Auto Show (Los Angeles, U.S.), and the Canadian International Auto Show (Toronto, Canada).
The results showed that 40 percent of visitors intended to buy a new car within the next 12 months. Auto show visitors were also 2.9 times more likely to purchase or lease a vehicle within a year compared to the average consumer. Within two years, 68 percent planned to replace their current vehicle with a new one.
Interestingly, only 37 percent of visitors came with the intention of gathering purchase information. Meanwhile, 84 percent said their visit helped them make a buying decision. Among those planning to buy, 58 percent immediately searched for information online, 55 percent visited dealerships, 39 percent took a test drive, and 28 percent actually bought a new car.
The absence of certain brands also affected visitor behavior. About 23 percent said they ended up considering other brands, while 20 percent were reluctant to look at brands that did not participate. The generation attending auto shows is also shifting. Gen Z visitors were 1.5 times more likely to recommend an auto show to friends or family than the average attendee.
Los Angeles Auto Show President Terri Toennies emphasized that car shows still play a vital role in helping consumers make more confident and informed decisions. Clarify Group President Darren Slind added that the study challenges the perception that consumers have lost interest in live automotive experiences. However, he cautioned that the decline in visitor numbers remains an important concern for the global auto industry. (*)
