The Chicago Auto show returned to McCormick Place during its traditional dates in February. First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. This year marks the 114th edition of the Chicago Auto Show.
Chicago Auto Show Chairman Bill Haggerty expressed his excitement to return to a February show saying, “While there were many wonderful aspects of our ‘special edition’ show last summer, we are excited to return to February as it has historically been an ideal time for consumers to get out and beat the winter doldrums by experiencing the industry’s latest cars, trucks, and SUVs. And this year, we’re offering attendees more opportunities to experience six indoor test tracks – more than the show has ever had – as well as chances to take test drives on city streets.”
EV and Hybrid vehicles take center stage this year. The 2022 show features six total indoor test tracks and three outdoor test drives. Indoors, attendees can take a ride on the Powering Chicago EV Track, featuring the latest EVs to hit the market like the BMW i4 M50 and Kia EV6; Toyota Drive Center and Proving Grounds highlighting the all-new, completely redesigned 2022 Tundra; Ford Built Wild, featuring its Bronco family of vehicles, and Built to Electrify, where people can experience the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E; Camp Jeep, and Ram Truck Territory’s in-truck adventure to showcase Ram’s 1500 light-duty and 2500/3500 heavy-duty trucks.
In addition to the indoor test tracks, manufacturers will offer plenty of opportunities for fans to jump behind the wheel and take a test drive on city streets. Participating brands include Ford, Kia, and Subaru.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, CEO of Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Larita Clark, Speaker of the House Chris Welch, and Senate President Don Harmon joined 2022 Chicago Auto Show Chairman Bill Haggerty and Show General Manager Dave Sloan on stage to cut the ribbon to open the show.
“Last summer, the [Chicago] Auto Show was one of the first major events, you may recall, that we were able to bring back,” said Governor J.B. Pritzker. “It’s as much about tradition as it is about innovation. So many of us have grown up with the Chicago Auto Show and later brought our family to explore all the show has to offer. The fun is back and I, for one, can’t wait to enjoy it.”
This year the Chicago Auto Show will also honor first responders (police officers, EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters) and US Military by hosting a First Responders and Military Appreciation Day on Tuesday, Feb. 15. On that day, all first responders and military will receive complimentary admission when they present their badge or military ID. Moreover, guests who accompany first responders or military personnel will receive a voucher for $5 off adult admission.
Tickets to the 2022 Chicago Auto Show are currently on sale at ChicagoAutoShow.com. The 2022 show runs Feb. 12-21 at McCormick Place and is open to the public 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, except for the final day (Presidents Day) when the show closes at 8 p.m. Adult ticket prices are $15; seniors ages 62 and older are $10; children ages 4-12 are $10; kids 3 and younger are free. The Chicago Auto Show will operate in full accordance with health and safety protocols required by the Illinois Department of Public Health.