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 heck 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 give it a chance. If you’re going to heed my advice, be sure to check out the neat stuff at this year’s show right here. Where else will you be afforded the opportunity 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 conclude 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 wondering whether they should seek new means 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 other luxury brands and their repeated attendance?
It’s possible we may just have to get used to drinking our large beers in a Fiat.
I was up set no Mercedes or BMW at the Auto Show. I left when I found out they were not there.
The Auto Show should have informed the public that both Mercedes and BMW would not be represented at the Chicago Auto Show. I especially went to the show to compare these two cars, so I was terribly disappointed. Of all the luxury cars, Mercedes and BMW are the most popular cars and should have been there!
Well… I hear MB and BMW dealers are open. And they are free..
@Jim – no need to be snarky. The beauty of the Auto Show was the opportunity to compare cars directly side-by-side. Also, you could see upcoming models (ie X7, New M class, Mercedes electric SUV, etc) in person, which you CAN’T do in a dealership. Once you see them in person, you can arrange to pre order the cars, which I’ve actually done, specially because I had the opportunity to see the unreleased, new cars at the Auto Show.
I didn’t realize MB or BMW were not at the show until the very end when I walked through the entire show and couldn’t find them. I asked an employee where they were and was told that neither carmaker were at the show this year. Felt disappointed and kind of cheated. And as for Jim I’m pretty sure he works either at a MB or BMW dealer.
May be a little late to this because I just started researching why they will be absent from the Miami International Auto Show. Although not as grand as some other shows around the country, I noticed BMW (Mini), Benz, Audi, and Volvo will not be there.