This week, we had the pleasure of attending the 2024 Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place. Stepping into the bustling venue, the exhilarating sounds of tires squealing on test tracks filled the air. The show utilized only one showroom this year, with a notable absence from automotive giant Stellantis (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Maserati). Despite this, Toyota and Ford warmly welcomed visitors, setting the stage for an electrifying showcase of automotive innovation.
Toyota featured an off-road driving simulator that truly immersed attendees in the rugged terrain experience. Complete with a hydraulic platform, this simulator offered an adrenaline-pumping adventure for thrill-seekers. Not to be outdone, Kia also showcased a driving simulator for its EV6 GT, which proved to be a popular attraction among visitors. Additionally, we were drawn to Ford’s retail in-a-box displays. These compact yet well-constructed setups featured a variety of products, digital screens, and even a pop-up photo booth, providing an interactive and memorable experience for attendees.
Subaru's booth captivated visitors with an immersive tribute to our national parks system. The use of lighting, live vegetation, and custom-printed carpeting created an enchanting forest atmosphere that had you forgetting you were at a trade show. But what truly stole our hearts were the adorable puppies! Let's be honest, even the coolest new cars and the latest in experiential technology have a tough time competing with real, live puppies.
The spotlight at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show was unequivocally seized by electric vehicles (EVs). With the automotive landscape rapidly shifting towards electrification, manufacturers wasted no time in putting their latest EV offerings front and center.
One standout familiar to Innovative (we recently launched 1,100 displays for these) was Honda's Motocompacto E-Scooters. These sleek electric scooters impressed with their eco-friendly design and remarkable practicality. Folding down to the size of a large briefcase and weighing just 40 pounds, they epitomize the convenience and versatility of electric mobility solutions in urban environments. Whether navigating city streets or seamlessly integrating into a multi-modal transportation setup, these E-Scooters are the future of urban mobility.
(Take a peek at our Honda Motocompacto display below!)
It wasn't just compact scooters making waves at the show. Automakers unveiled a diverse range of electric vehicles, ranging from compact city cars to spacious SUVs. Thanks to advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure, EVs are no longer confined to a niche market; they're increasingly accessible and practical for mainstream consumers.
As we navigated through the exhibits, the electrification of the automotive industry was noticeable. We couldn't help but feel excited about the prospects of a more sustainable future on the road ahead. The 2024 Chicago Auto Show served as a testament to the ongoing evolution of transportation, where electric vehicles are at the forefront of innovation and progress.
