Welcome to the Daily 5 report for Friday, Dec. 19.
The Detroit Auto Show used to be a whirlwind of surprise unveilings, elaborate stunts and crazy one-upmanship, particularly for the three hometown companies.
These days, it's a more laid-back, cars-on-carpet kind of event, with a relaxed schedule and enough extra space on the show floor to fit four test-ride tracks.
Auto shows all over the world have been shrinking in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic played a role — Detroit went 44 months without a show from 2019 to 2022 — and automakers have realized it's more cost-effective to reveal new models virtually or at standalone events where they don't have to share the spotlight.
Detroit also got stuck in the shadow of CES in Las Vegas, which is why organizers started trying other seasons, only to return to January this year with more realistic ambitions for the type of spectacle it can be going forward.
Next month's Detroit show will have 27 brands on the floor, as we reported today. That's five more than this year but still far fewer than showed up in the good old days. Subaru is planning a display for the first time since 2022, and local dealers will stand in for a handful of other brands that haven't been seen in Detroit recently.
We're also looking ahead to 2026 on the tariff front, with several major decisions looming that will affect automakers to the tune of many billions of dollars. And Canada says it will begin renegotiating its trade agreement with the U.S. in January.
But while the new year (presented by Kia) is just around the corner, there's still plenty of time for more big happenings in 2025. Remember 2019, when Carlos Ghosn made his daring escape from Lebanon on Dec. 29? Or just last year, when Honda and Nissan began merger talks Dec. 23?
So keep reading Automotive News for the latest even as the holidays draw near. But for now, enjoy your weekend.
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— Nick Bunkley, leader of the automaker team
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