COVID-19 pandemic forces cancellation of 2021 North American International Auto Show Detroit auto show now set for September/October in both 2022 and 2023 The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of the North American International Auto Show for the second year in a row. Posted at 3:18 PM, Jan 11, 2021 and last updated 2021-01-11 20:18:05-05 (WXYZ) â The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of the North American International Auto Show for the second year in a row. Show organizers announced the cancellation Monday afternoon. Instead, officials announced a six-day event called 'Motor Bella.' The following press release was sent out about the new event: