The Detroit Auto Show LIVES!

Nothing like a little local government action to get the juices flowing! This week, the Detroit City Council pretty much ensured that the North American International Auto show will remain in Motown—by not voting to block a plan that would see the show’s venue, Cobo Center, renovated. Would it have made any difference if the show had left Detroit? Psychologically, yes. And logistically, too, as Detroit is where most of the major carmakers stage their big “reveals” of new models. Given that the auto industry is still the main game in town, Detroit needed to keep the show. But as I’ve suggested before, even the show had left Motown, it’s not clear anyone else would have wanted it. Moot point now.