This year’s Detroit Auto Show will have an increased focus on the growing need to educate consumers and the industry on new vehicle technologies, safe driving and job recruitment and training opportunities in the auto industry. Through partnerships with and the support of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association’s (DADA) “Let’s Grow Mobility” Foundation, new activations and programming will have a presence at the Sept. 13 – 24 show at Huntington Place in Detroit. GMC revealed the 2024 Acadia.
Reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to mobility and electrification education will be the inaugural Mobility Global Forum held during Media and Technology Days, Sept. 13-14. This two-day event will feature 31 compelling speakers presenting powerful programming focused on the “new mobility.” Access to the Mobility Global Forum is included with each Technology Day ticket purchased. Tickets are available for purchase at $75 each, per day.
Universities in this area are supported by Magna.
The show will also include programming and events targeted at keeping up with the demand for mobility talent. The Workforce Intelligence Network will be hosting a special EV Jobs Academy program on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 1 – 4 p.m.at Huntington Place to highlight the collaborative efforts of industry leaders, training providers, and stakeholder partners dedicated to cultivating and enhancing the talent pipeline and essential skills needed for the transformation of the industry. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required at winintelligence.org. Technology Day tickets are required for those attendees wishing to visit the auto show main floor after the session.
With the generous support of General Motors, safe driving and distracted and impaired driving awareness will play a key role in a new Vehicle Safety Zone featured in the concourse throughout the show. Participants will include:
- Courageous Persuaders – A competition-based scholarship program produced by the DADA that invites high school students to create a 30-second television commercial about the dangers of distracted driving with two categories: drunk driving and distracted driving.
- Kiefer Foundation – Founded to honor Mitchel Kiefer who was tragically killed in a 2016 auto accident caused by a distracted driver, the mission of the Kiefer Foundation is to end distracted driving and all associated traffic deaths and injuries.
- EyesDrive – A national campaign that educates, advocates, and builds awareness on the dangers of distracted driving through clever digital content across a variety of media channels. The digital content for the EyesDrive campaign is based on the curriculum and messaging of Teen Street Skills, an advanced driver training program led by former IndyCar driver Robbie Buhl.
- Secretary of State, Michigan – Staff will be onsite providing full branch office services during the show, as well as information on Secretary of State services and programs.
Job recruitment opportunities and job training will be the focus of a concourse display from Michigan Works! and Detroit at Work. They will be providing jobseekers the support, training and services they need to get back to work and find new employment. The show, with an eye toward promoting tomorrow’s mobility leaders, will host educational tours for hundreds of high school students during the Public Show.
Huntington and Tito’s are also supporters of the Let’s Grow Mobility Foundation.
The Detroit Auto Show is pleased to welcome the following new partners to this year’s show. Each company and organization are providing valuable support to key programs and activities that significantly contribute to the show’s success. They include:
Official Sponsor
Born in Detroit, Shinola is a design brand with an unwavering commitment to crafting lasting products, from watches to leather goods to jewelry and beyond. These products celebrate timeless design and thoughtful craftsmanship – telling stories that inspire people to live well and be confident in a style that is uniquely their own. Every Shinola watch is handcrafted with Swiss and imported parts by artisans working in the historic Argonaut building in midtown Detroit. Celebrating a decade in business, Shinola now employs about 400 people, operates 21 retail locations in the U.S., and partners with several American companies to create a line of products intended to last for generations. To date, there have been more than 1.2 million Shinola watches built in Detroit. https://www.shinola.com/
The Plug and Play Startup Pitch Competition
Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, they are present in 50+ locations across five continents. They offer corporate innovation programs and help corporate partners in every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. They also organize startup acceleration programs and have built an in-house VC to drive innovation across multiple industries where they have invested in hundreds of successful companies including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, N26, PayPal, and Rappi. This year Plug and Play Detroit is a proud partner with the Plug and Play Startup Arena, featuring 150 startups that they have curated and will be featured within AutoMobili-D on the auto show floor, 9/13 – 9/15. Plug and Play will also be hosting the Plug and Play Detroit Pitch Competition on Thursday, 9/14 beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the main show floor. Come see Plug and Play at the show to experience its network and startup technologies!
Presenting Sponsor of The Powering Michigan EV Experience and EV Learning Center and Presenting Sponsor of Malcolm Gladwell, featured speaker at the Mobility Global Forum
The Powering Michigan team of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 58) are proud to present the “Powering Michigan EV Experience and EV Learning Center” at the 2023 North American International Auto Show. Supporting Malcolm Gladwell’s presentation on Thursday 9/18 was an additional way to reenforce how educating consumers to the new mobility is an important as we support new ideas and new approaches to the ever-changing automotive industry.
SMCNECA contractors and the highly skilled IBEW Local 58 workforce are installation experts for all types of EV Charging infrastructure in the commercial, public, fleet and residential markets including solar and energy storage integration. The Powering Michigan team has been trained and certified through the nationally recognized EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program) and are actively installing charging stations all over Michigan. https://poweringmichigansfuture.com/
Title Sponsor of The Visit Detroit Media Center
Visit Detroit is proud to be the Title Sponsor of the Visit Detroit Media Center. The mission of Visit Detroit is to market and sell the Detroit metropolitan region to business and leisure visitors nationally and internationally to maximize economic impact. In collaboration with its partners, stakeholders, and customers, the Visit Detroit team champions the continuous improvement of the region as a dynamic and memorable tourism destination. More than 700 businesses are represented in Visit Detroit’s membership. Visit Detroit was founded in 1896 as the world’s first convention and visitor’s bureau. Visit Detroit looks forward to welcoming 2,000+ media from around the world who will be enjoying the show during Media/Technology Days as well as the great city of Detroit. https://visitdetroit.com/
GMC Intros 2024 Acadia
GMC today revealed the all-new Acadia, redefining what a premium mid-size SUV can be and launching a new era for the brand’s family of SUVs and crossovers. The 2024 Acadia is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, with an all-new premium-appointed interior, elevated exterior design language, an enhanced suite of technology and an extensive list of standard safety features.
“GMC’s brand mission is to be a leader in capability, professional grade refinement and technological innovation,” said Duncan Aldred, global vice president, Buick and GMC. “The all-new Acadia showcases all that and more in a uniquely GMC way — and it’s a blueprint of what’s to come for the GMC SUV portfolio.”
More spacious and more powerful
The 2024 Acadia is larger in all dimensions compared to the previous model. It sits 10.6 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than the previous generation, enabling enhanced passenger spaciousness and an expanded seating configuration of seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim.
The Acadia’s larger size also means more storage space and versatility — including nearly 80 percent more cargo space behind the third row and more than 36 percent more behind the second row, compared to the current generation.
“For this next generation, our mission was to reimagine the design and the proportions of the Acadia to create a bolder, more commanding presence, firmly in the vein of the evolving GMC portfolio,” said Ben Zavala, design lead, GMC Acadia. “With its assertive, powerful stance, the 2024 Acadia evokes a truck-inspired persona, infused with the brand’s signature premium feel.”
All trims of the Acadia are powered by a new 2.5L turbocharged engine that delivers more power and more trailering capability than the previous generation. Producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, the new engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic on all trims with available all-wheel drive, including an exclusive off-road-capable Active Torque Control AWD system on the redesigned Acadia AT4.
The powertrain helps maintain Acadia’s strong trailering capability. When properly equipped, it has a max trailering rating of 5,000 pounds1.
Available Super Cruise2 driver assistance technology
The 2024 Acadia becomes the fifth nameplate within the GMC portfolio to offer Super Cruise — the industry’s first true hands-free advanced driver assistance system available on more than 400,000 miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada. It also marks the first time that Super Cruise will be available on GMC trims such as Elevation Premium and AT4 in addition to Denali. Acadia will receive the latest version of GM’s Super Cruise technology, which includes trailering assist and automatic lane-change capabilities.3
Advanced, purposeful and innovative technology
In addition to its bold and sophisticated new exterior, the 2024 Acadia features an all-new interior with next-level technology integration and premium appointments. The focal point of the interior is a portrait-oriented 15-inch-diagonal premium GMC infotainment system4 display, which is standard across all trims.
System highlights include:
- Customizable touchscreen displays
- Google built-in5 compatibility with available apps including navigation
- Available high-contrast display
Married with the Acadia’s all new portrait infotainment system is a new standard 11-inch-diagonal driver information center.
Additionally, the 2024 Acadia’s advanced technologies also include:
- Up to nine available camera views for enhanced visibility6: Accessible through the central infotainment display, nine available camera views include: Rear Camera View, Front Camera View, Front Top Down, Rear Top Down, Rear Camera View mirror, Front Side View, HD Surround Vision, Hitch View and Rear Side.
- Advanced safety and driver assistance technologies6: The 2024 GMC Acadia features an expansive list of standard advanced safety features and driver assistance technologies6, including:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
- Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking
- IntelliBeam High Beam Assist
- HD Rear Vision Camera
- Rear Park Assist
- Safety Alert Seat
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
- Blind Zone Steering Assist
- Buckle to Drive
- Rear Seat Reminder7
- Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear Pedestrian Detection
- Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Speed Limit Assist
- Side Bicyclist Alert
- Enhanced Lane Keep Assist
- Reverse Auto Braking
- Traffic Sign Recognition
Acadia AT4 — rugged capability
Off-road capability reaches a new peak for the nameplate with the all-new AT4. Advanced off-road driving technologies and features are matched with distinctive design cues and exclusive interior appointments, enabling customers to go further with confidence and comfort.
AT4 exclusive features include:
- A 1-inch taller ride height and a wider track, coupled with 18-inch AT tires enhancing stability, handling and capability when driving off road
- Off-road-tuned suspension with hydraulic rebound control
- AT4-exclusive Active Torque Control all-wheel-drive system with twin-clutch rear differentials for optimal traction and control in demanding scenarios
- Front fascia accented with signature AT4 red tow hooks and integrated skid plates
- Selectable drive modes including Terrain mode and Hill Descent Control
- Exclusive AT4 interior elements featuring Forest Storm interior with Mahogany stitching and additional chrome-metallic trim
Acadia Denali refined luxury
Acadia Denali returns to redefine the premium mid-size SUV, with new, stylish enhancements, elevated design cues and a bolder roster of luxurious features including:
- Standard one-touch folding second-row seats and power-folding third row
- Distinctive exterior trim and design features, including unique trim accents, a signature Denali grille and available, all-new, 22-inch machined aluminum wheels — the largest ever on Acadia
- Elevated interior featuring an available panoramic, pillar-to-pillar sunroof, authentic laser-etched wood décor with Galvano chrome accents, and perforated leather-appointed heated and ventilated front seats and available second-row outboard heated seats
- Active noise cancelling technology and a Bose premium sound system with 12 standard speakers— and up to 16 available on Denali
Coming soon from Lansing
The next-generation 2024 GMC Acadia will be produced at GM’s Lansing Delta Township Assembly in Michigan8 and is expected to be available in early 2024. Additional details, including pricing, will be announced closer to the start of production. More information is available at www.gmc.com.
1Requires available trailering package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
2Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit https://www.gmc.com/connectivity-technology/super-cruise for compatible roads and full details.
3Lane Change on Demand and Automatic Lane Change not available while trailering. Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Do not use a handheld device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit gmc.com/connectivity-technology/super-cruise for compatible roads and full details.
4System functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some device.
5Google built-in services are subject to limitations and availability may vary by vehicle, infotainment system and location. Select service plan required. Certain Google actions and functionality may require account linking. User terms and privacy statements apply. Google, Google Play, and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.
6Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for important feature limitations and information.
7Does not detect people or items. Always check rear seat before exiting.
8With domestically and globally sourced parts.
Vitesco Tech On Display
Vitesco Technologies, a leading international developer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art powertrain technologies for sustainable mobility, will use the opportunity to update U.S. auto makers, analysts and media about its global electric vehicle portfolio at the 2023 North American International Auto Show in Detroit (NAIAS) from September 13 to 14.
With its North American regional headquarters in the nearby suburb of Auburn Hills, Mich, the annual industry event in Detroit is a perfect opportunity for the company to showcase its latest technologies to domestic and global customers and a host of other industry companies engaged in transitioning the industry toward an electrified future.
“There is undeniable momentum for the infusion of electrification technology occurring within the industry,” said Vitesco Technologies North America CEO Sandy Stojkovski. “The success of Vitesco Technologies has been rooted in supporting the long-term visions of our customers and ultimately satisfying the needs of consumers.”
Vitesco Technologies will showcase products from its portfolio covering electric drive components, sensors and actuators, as well as complete electric drive systems.
An example of this technical and social commitment is Vitesco Technologies’ fourth generation electric axle drive. This innovation is now available with an optional externally excited electric synchronous machine that uses a new rotor which does not use permanent magnets and therefore does not require any rare earth elements. This reduces the cost of the rotor and the environmental impact of material sourcing.
Having gone public in September 2021, Vitesco Technologies company is assuming a leading role among automotive suppliers in the transition to electromobility. In the first half of 2023, the North America region has contributed more than €1.18 billion (p. 38) toward the company’s global sales.
Vitesco Technologies has already contributed to the sale of more than five million electric vehicles, and has prioritized affordable mobility, optimization of drive efficiency and more sustainability across the entire process chain.
Kiekert Automation
Kiekert exhibits a wide range of innovations that will drive mobility transformation and facilitate the shift towards a more sustainable future at the 2023 North American International Detroit Auto Show: The fully integrated solution for automated door opening, presENTER; the electric door latch, excellENTRY and the next generation of the e-charging security system, secuCHARGE. “The US market is of major strategic significance for Kiekert”, says Jérôme Debreu, Chairman of the Executive Board & CEO at Kiekert. “We have the best background, products and US team to expand our market position in North America. The Detroit Auto Show is a great stage to showcase our access systems which resonate with our US customers.”
Kiekert’s presENTER automatically opens the door slightly after it has been electrically released. An extending pin brings the door towards the user and holds it in position. The door is held against wind or inclination and, if necessary, automatically closes again. The powerful drive pushes the door open from the inside in any weather condition.
Kiekert’s excellENTRY is the door opening system that enables excellent access experience and provides OEMs with the possibilities for new styling and efficiency. The excellENTRY enables effortless operation of the car door handle by eliminating the mechanical operation chain. This results in new design possibilities for the door, including a flush door design. A mechanical or electrical redundancy function allows manual opening of vehicle doors even in a crash situation.
Kiekert’s next generation of its charging-plug actuator secuCHARGE is designed for a safer charging of all electric vehicles. With the newly developed Evoloid gearbox, secuCHARGE delivers maximum power in minimal space is thus compatible with any charging standard. The drive is lighter, smaller and more powerful than comparable drives. The secuCHARGE actuator can be operated via keyfob or a signal from the charging station.
Kiekert technologies are present in one-in-three vehicles worldwide. “When you access your car, you are most likely touching a Kiekert product”, Debreu emphasizes. For the future of the company, he has a clear vision: to double the business turnover as well as the market share by 2030 through customer orientation, re-regionalization, process excellence and a consistent focus on innovation. “It is a major endeavor, but I am confident Kiekert will achieve that based on its reputation for innovation and our excellent market position as a world leader for intelligent electro-mechanical access systems,” comments Debreu.