Why the iconic Columbus Auto Show has been canceled in Ohio
- The 2025 Columbus Auto Show has been canceled
- The show has been held for over 50 years
- The decision was made due to low manufacturer participation
Published on Mar 07, 2025 at 6:47 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Mar 10, 2025 at 9:33 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Sad news for Ohio-based car fans as the 2025 Columbus Auto Show has been canceled.
According to a statement made on the organizer’s website, the decision was made due to concerns over manufacturer participation.
The show has been held for over 50 years and attracts more than 30,000 attendees.
However, plans are already underway to bring the show back in 2026.
DISCOVER OUR SUPERCAR AUCTION SITE – View live auctions on SBX Cars
2025 Columbus Auto Show canceled in Ohio
A tradition that’s endured for many decades for many car enthusiasts from Ohio and further afield – it’s a sad moment in the US automotive field.
Some vehicle brands have been pulling out of auto shows, making it hard to offer a full experience for visitors.
In fact, the decline in manufacturer participation is affecting auto shows across the country.
An official statement about the canceled show read:.
“The Columbus Auto Show & Charity Gala has been a highlight of the business year for Ohio automobile dealers for many years.
“It is with great regret that the Columbus Automobile Dealers Association made the difficult decision not to proceed with a 2025 show.
“Across the country and internationally, headwinds in the auto industry are having an impact on these types of events.
“We’re working to address these challenges, and are committed to see the return of the show in future years,” the Association’s announcement read.
“In the meantime, we’re exploring new and creative opportunities for events that provide consumers and auto enthusiasts the opportunity to learn and engage with auto manufacturers and dealers,” the statement concluded.
The future of the show
The cancelation decision was made in late 2024 and announced on the show’s website in January 2025.
However, it’s raised questions about the show’s future, as the board and dealers keen to ensure a high-quality visitor experience.
The show’s cancelation isn’t just disappointing for fans – since 2008, the event’s charity gala has raised over $2 million for good causes.
Thankfully, the organization’s charity work will continue regardless, with fundraising events to be held throughout 2025.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness, and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the senior content writer and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms, and coveted brands. When her OOO is on from writing about cars and heading up on-site SEO you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym, or exploring the city she loves.
