An Amazing Evening: The 2025 Detroit Auto Show Charity Preview

I got to enjoy my first-ever Detroit Auto Show Charity Preview. I have been part of Detroit radio for over thirty years, so I don't know how I ever missed this opportunity.

The 1st step was preparation for this black-tie event. I realized I needed a penguin to wear. It was 17 years since I'd got married and can't remember the last time I needed to get one fitted for myself. Maybe my High School prom? That's another wonderful story.

I put a post on social media asking my listeners to give me suggestions on who to go to. After hundreds of suggestions, I decided to go to somewhere, I was familiar with. I visited a store in Warren, Michigan, I have known all my life.  President Tuxedo of Warren. Ben MacPherson and employee Lisa took great care of me. 

There is one thing that is synonymous with the Detroit Auto Show: a predicted snowstorm hitting Detroit. Driving was white knuckle most of the way there. Speeds were 10 mph at the fastest. I made it to the Huntington garage to find it full. Ended up driving around the corner for $30. And they valet the vehicle. Doing the gentlemanly thing I had dropped of my friend, Teresa, at the side doors of Huntington Place which was a short jump over slush in her black dress with a long train. 

Once inside we enjoyed a cocktail at a random inside bar as my friend checked her coat. Next was an eye-opening view of the main floor of cars.  There should be a medical term for seeing so many bright lights, flash, glitz, and glamour all at once.  Everything had that new car smell and folks were dressed to the nines. 

I ran into old friends like Cristy Lee from the TV show Squad Garage on the Motor Trend Network and former WRIF Rock Girl. Met and made lot of new friends that night. 

Some wonderful features at this year's show included more than 30 automakers bringing their most exciting and forward-thinking vehicles to this year’s show. Visitors can expect a variety of new models, including rugged off-road vehicles like the 2025 Ford Bronco, sleek electric Volkswagens, and high-end luxury brands such as Maybach, Lamborghini, and McLaren. Notably, the electric Volkswagen Buzz debuted to critical acclaim and won the Detroit Auto Show’s 2025 Midsize SUV award.

One of the neat experiences is the Ford Bronco track, where you can test the vehicle’s features by navigating sharp rises and roller-coaster-like drops. Just to let you know they would not let me drive them by myself. For car enthusiasts, there are indoor attractions such as off-road simulations and high ramps

Another standout experience was Ford’s “Detroit Proud” event, featuring Detroit Lions-themed F-150, . The event spotlighted special edition models like the Mustang GTD ‘Spirit of America,’ Mustang RTR, Maverick Lobo, and Bronco Sport Sasquatch. Additionally, Jim Farley honored local first responders and employees, celebrating Detroit’s hardworking spirit.

Iconic movie vehicles like the Ferrari Modena Spyder California from the hit 1986 film, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” as well as a “Detroit Through the Decades” showcase of vehicles. 

Over the past four decades, over $100 million dollars has been raised through the Detroit Auto Show Charity Preview for local charities and organizations. 

A great experience otherwise even with a small snafu with a coat-check at the end. It was a wonderful time in Detroit. It well worth the wait to grab a few coneys in a tux that were eaten very carefully!