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| Twin Cities Auto Show | |
|---|---|
| Name | Twin Cities Auto Show |
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Auto show |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Location | Minneapolis–Saint Paul |
| Country | United States |
Twin Cities Auto Show The Twin Cities Auto Show is an annual automotive exposition held in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, showcasing automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and related technology. The event draws manufacturers, dealers, industry organizations, and consumers from across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota for product displays, demonstrations, and sales promotions. It functions as a regional node connecting major automotive manufacturers, dealer associations, trade media, and consumer advocacy groups.
The show brings together manufacturers such as Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Stellantis, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation, Nissan Motor Company, Volkswagen Group, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Subaru Corporation, Mazda Motor Corporation, Volvo Cars and specialty brands alongside dealers, aftermarket suppliers, finance firms, and mobility startups. It features sections for passenger vehicles, light trucks, commercial vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, performance cars, classic cars, and powersports from marques like Jeep, Ram, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Lexus, Porsche', and Jaguar Land Rover. Industry trade partners such as the National Automobile Dealers Association affiliates, regional dealer groups, and service providers participate to promote sales, warranties, parts, and financing options. Media partners include local broadcasters from WCCO-TV, KARE, KSTP-TV, automotive magazines, and national outlets covering product launches and consumer trends.
Early automotive exhibitions in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area trace back to regional fairs and expos where manufacturers like Pierce-Arrow and Packard once displayed vehicles alongside events such as the Minnesota State Fair exhibitions. Postwar growth saw shows aligning with dealer associations and municipal exhibition centers associated with organizations like the Greater Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce and the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce. As the automotive industry consolidated, the show evolved to feature American manufacturers represented by organizations including Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Chrysler Corporation and foreign manufacturers entering the U.S. market such as Toyota, Volkswagen, and Honda. The emergence of electric vehicles led to increased presence by companies like Tesla, Inc., Nissan Motor Company for the Nissan Leaf, and battery suppliers linking to automotive programs at institutions like the University of Minnesota. The show's timeline intersects with regional developments such as projects by Metropolitan Council (Minnesota) transportation planning and expo facility expansions influenced by civic leaders and events like Super Bowl LII hospitality planning in the Twin Cities.
The event is staged at major exhibition centers serving Minneapolis–Saint Paul, including facilities historically linked to Minneapolis Convention Center, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and arena complexes near Xcel Energy Center (Saint Paul), U.S. Bank Stadium, and Target Center. Dates are typically scheduled in late winter to early spring, timed with dealer order cycles and national auto show calendars that include the North American International Auto Show cycle, regional shows such as the Chicago Auto Show, and trade events like the SEMA Show and New York International Auto Show. Coordination with transit providers including Metro Transit (Minnesota), parking authorities, and hospitality partners like the Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport area hotels is common.
Exhibits range from production vehicle displays by Toyota, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Hyundai Motor Company, and Kia Corporation to specialty areas for electric vehicle technologies by firms linked to Tesla, Inc., Rivian Automotive, and battery developers. Interactive displays often include ride-and-drive programs, vehicle technology demonstrations featuring suppliers such as Bosch (company), Delphi Technologies predecessors, Continental AG, and infotainment showcases from Google (company)-linked Android Auto and Apple Inc.-linked CarPlay ecosystems. Aftermarket and performance sections highlight parts suppliers related to organizations like the Specialty Equipment Market Association and performance tuners associated with SCCA events. Classic car displays may reference restoration shops and historical societies connected to marque heritage institutions and museums like the Hemmings Motor News audience and regional automotive clubs.
Attendance figures draw regional consumers and trade attendees, aligning with tourism impacts analyzed by groups such as the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and regional economic development organizations like Explore Minnesota. The show generates hotel room nights for downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul hotels, patronage for restaurants, and business for local taxi and ride-hailing services including Uber Technologies and Lyft, Inc.. Economic multipliers are cited by chambers and city economic offices in planning documents, reflecting spending on vehicle purchases, parts, accessories, and promotional financing from banks such as Wells Fargo and U.S. Bancorp branches.
Over the years the show has hosted regional debuts and press events for urban utility vehicles and fuel-efficient models from brands like Toyota Prius-era announcements, crossover introductions from Subaru Corporation and compact EV unveils from manufacturers tied to global launches at venues such as the Los Angeles Auto Show and Detroit Auto Show. Specialty events have included concept demonstrations, dealer awards ceremonies coordinated with organizations like the National Automobile Dealers Association affiliates, and charity drives partnering with nonprofits and civic campaigns linked to United Way of America affiliates and local foundations.
Organizers include regional dealer associations, trade show promoters, and partnerships with municipal convention bureaus such as the Meet Minneapolis bureau and Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau. Sponsors encompass manufacturers (for example Ford Motor Company, General Motors), parts suppliers like Bosch (company), financial institutions like U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo, media partners including Pioneer Press and local television stations, and technology firms offering telematics and infotainment systems. Collaboration with labor groups for exhibition services and local workforce agencies helps staff logistics, in coordination with trade unions and hospitality service providers.
Category:Auto shows in the United States