The North American International Auto Show is a smaller event this year than in the past decade.
Several automakers who have shown at the event in the past are taking a pass.
Most of them are luxury European brands like BMW, Audi, Bentley and Jaguar.
Show Vice Chair Doug North says despite that it's an exciting event for auto lovers to attend.
North says international media for the event remains strong despite a bit of a decline from the 5,000 reporters who came in 2018.
"This year I think we had over 4,500. So that's fantastic for the year. We've lost a few manufacturers as everyone probably knows, and so there was a little bit of a question but we're really excited about the turnout," says North.
He admits the auto industry and technology are changing.
"They're finding different ways to engage with the consumer and so part of our task and our challenge, which is something we've done with the move to 2020 is making sure we provide them the right kind of platform to communicate with their customers and engage them more actively," says North.
He says even though some of the luxury brands aren't present there are a lot of choices for people.
"We have over 750 vehicles on display so in all likelihood you're going to find more than what you need," says North. "And we'd love for those manufacturers to be here but certainly a whole big portion of the world is well represented here and there's and awful to choose from and a lot of tires to kick."
Wednesday is the first of the Industry Days where people within the auto business get to look at the show floor.
The charity preview goes Friday night, and the doors open to the public on Saturday.
The next Detroit auto show is scheduled for June 2020.