Midwest’s largest auto show kicked off at full scale once again at McCormick Place on February 11 to February 20 following three years of pandemic disruptions. Prominent News organization Chicago Tribune reported that many people, especially car enthusiasts, swamped the opening of the Chicago Auto Show 2023.
Meanwhile, over 20 local and international automakers participated in the event.
“We’re cautiously optimistic it’s going to feel like a pre-pandemic auto show. Growing back into two halls feels very good.”
David Sloan, Chicago Auto Show’s general manager
In an effort to bring sizable crowds of EV-curious and traditional car aficionados, the annual show has grown back into two halls, with a full roster of brands, exhibitors, and test tracks. Enticingly, the event organizers announced that ticket sales increased by 40% compared to the 2022 Chicago Auto Show.
Electric Cars at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show
The 2023 Chicago Auto Show featured a wide variety of battery-electric vehicles. There were also plug-in hybrid cars driven by electric, with an extended range from gasoline engines.
The Chicago Auto Show released the list of the displayed concept cars at the event, and these are as follows:
· BMW I4 (BMW)
· BMW I7 (BMW)
· BMW IX (BMW)
· CADILLAC LYRIQ (GM – Cadillac)
· 2024 CHEVROLET BLAZER EV (GM – Chevrolet)
· CHEVROLET BOLT EUV (GM – Chevrolet)
· 2024 CHEVROLET EQUINOX EV (GM – Chevrolet)
· CHEVROLET SILVERADO EV (GM – Chevrolet)
· 2025 CHRYSLER AIRFLOW (Stellantis – Chrysler)
· DODGE CHARGER DAYTONA SRT EV CONCEPT (Stellantis – Dodge)
· FORD E-TRANSIT (Ford)
· FORD F-150 LIGHTNING (Ford)
· FORD MUSTANG MACH-E (Ford)
· GMC HUMMER EV (GMC)
· 2024 GMC SIERRA EV (GMC)
· HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 (Hyundai)
· HYUNDAI IONIQ 6 (Hyundai)
· HYUNDAI KONA (Hyundai)
· KIA EV6 (Kia)
· KIA NIRO (Kia)
· LEXUS RZ (Toyota – Lexus)
· NISSAN ARIYA (Nissan)
· RAM 1500 REVOLUTION CONCEPT (Stellantis – Ram)
· 2024 SUBARU CROSSTREK (Subaru)
· SUBARU SOLTERRA (Subaru)
· VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 (Volkswagen)
“There’s been so much growth the last couple of years in the models that are available and it’s just really exciting to see that.”
Robert Kelter, Environmental Law, and Policy Center’s senior attorney
Meanwhile, it is also worth noting that the NASCAR booth featured an eye-catching baby blue Ford Mustang. Senior account executive Josh Barnhill claimed that the EV would be the pace car for its upcoming launch street race in Grant Park.
Chicago Drives Electric resource hub
The Chicago Auto Show and ComEd partnered to provide a BEVs test track and education center in the South Exhibit Hall, allowing car enthusiasts to test drive some of the displayed cars at the event.
As per Chicago Auto Show’s website, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Nissan, and Volkswagen are the participants in this segment.
Remarkably, Cadillac displays its LYRIQ, whereas BMW has its i4, i7, and iX. Nissan’s ARIYA and Leaf, Chevrolet’s Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, and Volkswagen’s ID.4 are also included.
“The redesigned Chicago Drives Electric indoor track, powered by ComEd, is bigger and better than before providing the perfect place for consumers to compare many EV models all in one location.”
Chicago Auto Show Chairman Kevin Keefe
Tickets
The Chicago Auto Show’s ticket prices are as follows:
Adults – $15
Seniors 62+ – $10
Children 4-12 – $10
Children 3 and under – $0
You can buy your tickets at the Chicago Auto Show Ticket website.
Indeed, it would be interesting to participate in the event. Daily Journal claimed that each brand placed a representative to entertain questions from customers.