The auto show that was once a must-attend event for the automotive industry has become almost irrelevant. At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, new cars were scarce, and many were absent altogether. The absence of cars at CES is not just a matter of the traditional car manufacturers skipping the event, but rather it reflects a broader shift in the global auto market.
The center of gravity for the auto world has moved to China, both technologically and geographically. Chinese automakers are now the ones driving innovation, and their products are being showcased at events like Shanghai Auto Show. The IAA Mobility convention in Munich is also becoming an important platform for them to showcase their latest offerings.
This shift has left traditional Western manufacturers scrambling to keep up. Many have abandoned their US-based plans to launch new models, opting instead to focus on China's massive market. Even major brands like Mercedes and BMW are now investing heavily in Chinese production, recognizing the importance of this growing market.
The reason for the decline of car shows is the rapid pace at which technology is advancing. Chinese manufacturers are bringing new products to market much faster than their Western counterparts, with some models taking as little as two years from R&D to delivery. This makes it increasingly difficult for traditional manufacturers to keep up with the latest trends and innovations.
As a result, events like CES have become less relevant. The industry is no longer borrowing technological credibility from Silicon Valley; instead, automotive tech has become an industrialized technology that is expected in the market, not showcased as a novelty at a car show. To regain dominance, Western manufacturers will need to undergo another seismic shift in evolution - and it may be too late for annual events like car shows to keep pace with progress in China.
The absence of cars at CES this year serves as a stark reminder that the auto industry is evolving rapidly, and traditional models of innovation and marketing are no longer working. The global car market is becoming increasingly dominated by Chinese manufacturers, and it's unclear whether Western brands will be able to reclaim their place in the spotlight anytime soon.
The center of gravity for the auto world has moved to China, both technologically and geographically. Chinese automakers are now the ones driving innovation, and their products are being showcased at events like Shanghai Auto Show. The IAA Mobility convention in Munich is also becoming an important platform for them to showcase their latest offerings.
This shift has left traditional Western manufacturers scrambling to keep up. Many have abandoned their US-based plans to launch new models, opting instead to focus on China's massive market. Even major brands like Mercedes and BMW are now investing heavily in Chinese production, recognizing the importance of this growing market.
The reason for the decline of car shows is the rapid pace at which technology is advancing. Chinese manufacturers are bringing new products to market much faster than their Western counterparts, with some models taking as little as two years from R&D to delivery. This makes it increasingly difficult for traditional manufacturers to keep up with the latest trends and innovations.
As a result, events like CES have become less relevant. The industry is no longer borrowing technological credibility from Silicon Valley; instead, automotive tech has become an industrialized technology that is expected in the market, not showcased as a novelty at a car show. To regain dominance, Western manufacturers will need to undergo another seismic shift in evolution - and it may be too late for annual events like car shows to keep pace with progress in China.
The absence of cars at CES this year serves as a stark reminder that the auto industry is evolving rapidly, and traditional models of innovation and marketing are no longer working. The global car market is becoming increasingly dominated by Chinese manufacturers, and it's unclear whether Western brands will be able to reclaim their place in the spotlight anytime soon.
so like they're saying that the auto shows are basically outdated now? idk about that... i mean, i love looking at new cars and tech as much as the next person! 
but seriously, it's crazy how fast the industry is changing. what's with all these big brands like Mercedes and BMW just focusing on China now? 
do they think china's gonna be the only place to sell cars in like 10 years or something? 
anyway didnt they used to have like a gazillion cars at ces? now its just like china is taking over or something idk man what's the point of even having car shows if theres no new cars being shown 
. Auto industry has moved east, China's where it's at 
. Westies struggling to keep up, abandoning US plans for Chinese markets 
. Two years from R&D to delivery? That's like playing catch-up in the game of innovation 
.
They're realizing that China is where the future of automotive tech is at, not LA or Detroit. It's time for them to adapt and evolve – but man, that's gonna be a tough pill to swallow for some folks 
. The question is, will they be able to regain their footing in this new landscape? 
. It's like they're trying to keep up with the times but are too slow 
. Chinese manufacturers have been quietly innovating and producing amazing tech for years, but nobody gave them a chance until now 
. And now, Western brands are scrambling to follow suit 
.
I think it's wild how fast the auto industry is changing 
. It's like, what's the point of even having a car show if nobody's showing off new cars? 
. Maybe it's time for a new model of innovation... get it? 
. It's not just about the cars, it's about the whole industry adapting to new trends and technologies 
. But for them to regain dominance, they'll need to go through some major changes, and I'm not sure if annual car shows can keep up with the pace of progress in China 
. It's gonna be interesting to see who comes out on top! 
& they r gonna change the game 
.
.
. What's next? Are they going to give up on events like the Geneva Motor Show too? 
. Its like Chinese manufacturers are just so much ahead of the game when it comes to tech and innovation 
. But at the same time, its like some of these new Chinese models are just so sleek and cutting edge that traditional brands have nothing on them 
.