Investigation: Why Did Mercedes-Benz and BMW Skip the 2019 Chicago Auto Show?

If you’re like most midwesterners in the dead of February, you’re looking for something – anything – to get you the f*** out of the house. Luckily, the Chicago Auto Show shows up this time of year to give the midwest new life. It may not be something that everyone rushes to, but it’s my humble opinion that everyone should check out the neat stuff at this year’s show. Where else can one find a place to experience extreme dry-eye, large beers, and expensive cars all at once?

Speaking of expensive cars, I sat in a few less in 2019 thanks to the fact that Mercedes-Benz and BMW didn’t show up this year. When I first discovered this, my brain spiraled. Why weren’t they here? Is this how Germany is telling us they want to wage war? These questions developed for a time, then I decided to investigate the real reason I was being robbed of luxurious experiences.

Okay, so, why didn’t they show up?

After checking some sources, I can deduce that Mercedes-Benz and BMW weren’t at the Chicago Auto Show because they may be questioning the benefits. Neither brand showed up in Detroit, and it seems that several brands are genuinely questioning whether they should seek new ways of promotion without the competition of other brands’ reveals and displays.

This obviously has some people a little bent out of shape, because let’s be honest — Mercedes-Benz and BMW are basically the big brothers of luxury. If they pull out of shows, what will that mean for future luxury brands and their repeated attendance?

It’s possible we may just have to get used to drinking our large beers in a Fiat.