The New York International Auto Show public days run from April 18–27 this year. Tickets are on sale now for $22 for adults (ages 13 and over) and $8 for children (ages 3–12). Manhattan’s Jacob Javits Center hosts the event, featuring new cars from at least 21 major manufacturers. The show will also feature several specialty car makers, aftermarket accessory and parts companies, and classic car displays.
The first New York Auto Show, held in 1900 at the original Madison Square Garden, marked the beginning of the automotive age. The show was the first of its kind in North America, a gleeful celebration of the present and future of personal transportation. Over the next century and a quarter, auto shows have experienced ups and downs. Still, at their best, they have always been an excellent place for aspiring buyers, enthusiasts, and dreamers to see and touch what the auto industry offers.
Fun, Low-Pressure Atmosphere
Auto shows used to be splashy venues for new vehicle unveilings and concept car displays. Over the past decade, accelerated by the pandemic disruption, many automakers have pulled back from the splash and settled for a ripple. Even though you can’t buy a car at an auto show, dealership organizations have recognized that they can attract prospective local car buyers, meet them, show off their products, and capture contact information in a low-pressure, friendly, helpful environment. Car companies spend less energy (and money) than they used to, so local and national dealership organizations like the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) target local consumers. What the shows have lost in international attention, they have gained in marketplace focus. The logic for a car show like New York says that anyone willing to spend $22 per person to attend the show is a serious prospect worth meeting.
Exciting Concepts and More
Which is not to say that the 2025 New York International Auto Show will be without its news splashes. Genesis will likely display two luxury concept cars it debuted at the Seoul Mobility Show this month. Hyundai, Kia, Maserati, Subaru, and Volkswagen have hinted that they’ll debut new vehicles and variants to the press before the public days and will display them for the masses beginning April 18.
Every great auto show has surprises. We don’t know what they will be at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. Still, we know that we’d be more likely to pony up $22 for a ticket to spend the day with car salesmen at the Javits Center than $800 for a few hours with real estate salesmen at “Glengarry Glen Ross” on Broadway.