A Guide to the Major Upcoming Auto Shows for 2025-2026

Auto shows are the vibrant heart of the automotive industry, offering a dazzling stage where manufacturers unveil their latest creations, showcase groundbreaking technology, and provide a glimpse into the future of mobility. For car enthusiasts, industry professionals, and prospective buyers, these events are an unparalleled opportunity to experience the newest vehicles up close, long before they arrive in showrooms. The upcoming 2025-2026 auto show season is packed with major events across the globe, from the aftermarket extravaganza of SEMA to the historic debut stages of Detroit and New York. This guide provides a calendar of the must-see shows, highlighting what makes each one a unique and essential event on the automotive calendar.

Upcoming Auto Show Calendar

Here is a look at the major international and U.S. auto shows scheduled for the upcoming season, detailing their unique focus and what attendees can expect to see.

SEMA Show

Scheduled for November 4–7, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada, the SEMA Show is the world's premier automotive specialty products trade event. Unlike a traditional auto show, SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is not open to the general public and is a trade-only event. Its focus is entirely on the automotive aftermarket, a massive industry dedicated to performance upgrades, custom vehicle builds, and specialty equipment. The show floor is a spectacular display of creativity and engineering, featuring everything from wildly modified trucks and hot rods to the latest in off-road technology, restyling accessories, and high-performance parts. It's where the industry's brightest minds gather to set the trends for vehicle customization for the year to come.

Los Angeles Auto Show (Automobility LA)

Taking place from November 21–30, 2025, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the LA Auto Show is one of the most influential automotive events in North America. Its significance is amplified by its location in California, the largest car-buying market in the U.S. and a global hub for car culture and green technology. As a result, Automobility LA has become a major stage for new vehicle debuts from global automakers, with a particular emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs), sustainable technology, and innovative mobility solutions. It's where manufacturers often choose to unveil the production versions of their most important new models for the coming year, making it a must-attend event for consumers looking to see the very latest metal.

Essen Motor Show

From November 29 to December 7, 2025, the city of Essen, Germany, becomes the epicenter of European car culture with the Essen Motor Show. Held at the Messe Essen, this massive trade fair is Europe's leading event for performance vehicles and is often described as the continent's answer to the SEMA Show. Its focus is a unique blend of high-performance tuning, motorsports, and classic cars. Attendees can explore everything from the latest offerings from renowned German tuners to historic racing cars and immaculately restored classics. It's a celebration of automotive passion, performance, and heritage, drawing enthusiasts from all over the world.



Automechanika Dubai

Scheduled for December 9–11, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre in the UAE, Automechanika Dubai is the premier automotive aftermarket exhibition for the rapidly growing markets of the Middle East and Africa. This is a critical business-to-business event where manufacturers of vehicle parts, accessories, and maintenance solutions connect with distributors and service providers from across the region. The show's focus is on the entire value chain of the automotive aftermarket, from tires and batteries to repair equipment and diagnostic tools. It serves as a vital hub for trade and innovation in this dynamic part of the global auto industry.

Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS)

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), held from January 14–25, 2026, at Huntington Place in Detroit, is an event steeped in automotive history. As the home of the "Big Three" U.S. automakers, the Detroit Auto Show continues its legacy as a major platform for new vehicle launches and technological showcases. While the show has evolved, its focus remains on highlighting the latest innovations from domestic and international brands. In 2026, you can expect a strong emphasis on the next generation of electrification, in-car connectivity, and autonomous driving technology, as automakers use the historic stage to signal their future direction.

New York International Auto Show

Running from April 3–12, 2026, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is one of North America's oldest and largest-attended auto shows. Its location in a massive media and consumer market makes it a prime location for significant global vehicle premieres. NYIAS provides a comprehensive look at the current state of the automotive industry, featuring everything from practical family cars and trucks to exotic supercars and futuristic concepts. It's often the first chance for the public to see and interact with the vehicles that will define the upcoming model year.

The global auto show calendar offers a diverse range of events, each with a unique focus catering to different segments of the automotive world. From aftermarket tuning to global premieres, these shows provide a fascinating look at the industry's present and future.

Event Location Dates Primary Focus
SEMA Show Las Vegas, NV, USA Nov 4–7, 2025 Aftermarket parts, custom vehicles, performance (Trade-only).
Los Angeles Auto Show Los Angeles, CA, USA Nov 21–30, 2025 New vehicle debuts, green technology, EVs.
Essen Motor Show Essen, Germany Nov 29–Dec 7, 2025 Classic cars, tuning, motorsports.
Automechanika Dubai Dubai, UAE Dec 9–11, 2025 Automotive aftermarket parts and accessories (Trade-only).
Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) Detroit, MI, USA Jan 14–25, 2026 New vehicle launches, electrification, and technology.
New York Auto Show New York, NY, USA Apr 3–12, 2026 Global vehicle premieres and latest automotive innovations.

Key Takeaways