Stellantis pulls out of Chicago Auto Show, ending the long run for Camp Jeep test track

Stellantis, preparing to pour $5 billion into revamping the currently dormant Belvidere facility, is opting out of the 2024 Chicago Auto Show to manage expenses. This decision follows a tumultuous market period marked by a six-week United Auto Workers' strike against top automakers, leaving a noticeable gap at next month's McCormick Place event. This will mark the end of the Camp Jeep test track’s 20-year streak, along with the absence of other popular attactions. Jennifer Morand, General Manager of the show, expressed disappointment in Stellantis's decision, but remains hopeful that the carmaker's absence will only last a year.

Stellantis, owner of brands like Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat and Ram trucks will be notably absent from this year's show. Chrysler, despite passing through numerous ownership changes in its years, has been a constant presence at the Chicago Auto Show for close to a hundred years. This withdrawal follows the automaker's pull-out from the Los Angeles Auto Show last November, despite efforts to keep it involved in the upcoming show, says Morand.

Stellantis decided to pull back from participating in the Chicago Auto Show this year for cost efficiency, given its recent financial hits from the UAW strike and subsequent settlement. However, the auto show will proceed, even without one of the Big Three. Ford and General Motors will be participating, along with 16 other carmakers – Mazda being a new entry this year.

The Stellantis departure will also signal at least a temporary end to the Camp Jeep test track, a thrilling indoor off-road course showcasing the brand's powerful 4x4 vehicles. This fixture has been part the Chicago Auto Show for almost two decades. Nevertheless, the 2024 show is set to feature three indoor test tracks – for Ford Bronco, Hyundai Ioniq and Chicago Drives Electric.

Stellantis, a result of a merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and France's Peugeot in January 2021, will be missed at the show, which saw a massive attendee surge of 50% in 2023. Notwithstanding Stellantis's absence, and the gap left by the Camp Jeep test track, Morand remains optimistic about the 2024 edition of the show.