New York Auto Show Sways 80% of Visitors

A 2026 visitor survey links the show to shifting vehicle purchase decisions ahead of the 2027 event.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Buying/Selling

New York Auto Show Sways 80% of Visitors

Live Poll

Have you planned to buy or lease a new vehicle in the next 12 months?

The 2026 Auto Show Visitor Impact Report found that 80% of New York Auto Show visitors said the show influenced their next vehicle decision. The 2027 New York International Auto Show runs March 26 to April 4, 2027, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Why it matters

For New York City shoppers weighing a new vehicle, the findings suggest the show can narrow choices and shape brand consideration. Visitors who plan to buy within a year appear to follow through at high rates.

Of the visitors surveyed, 38% planned to purchase or lease a new vehicle within 12 months, and 92% of those planners reported doing so. Seventy-two percent said the New York Auto Show was the only automotive event they attended in the prior year.

The players

J.D. Power

J.D. Power is a global consumer insights and analytics firm based in Virginia that co-organizes the Automotive Forum.

National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA)

NADA is the trade association representing franchised new-car and truck dealers in the United States and co-organizes the Automotive Forum.

New York International Auto Show

The New York International Auto Show, founded in 1900, is one of the longest-running auto shows in the United States.

The details

The 2026 Visitor Impact Report surveyed attendees about their purchase intentions and later buying behavior. Forty-two percent of visitors planning a purchase within 12 months added one or more brands to their consideration list after attending.

2026: Visitor Impact Report survey year.
March 23, 2027: Automotive Forum and Media & Industry Days begin.
March 26 to April 4, 2027: Public run of the 2027 New York Auto Show.
1900: The New York International Auto Show was founded.

Roadmap

The New York International Auto Show dates to 1900 and will mark its 127th year in 2027. Survey evidence that visitors act on what they see positions the show as a sales-funnel tool, not only a showcase.

New York City shoppers planning a purchase within a year can use the show to compare brands and test vehicles in person. The findings suggest that brands seen at the show are more likely to make the shortlist for buyers already in the market.

The takeaway

If you plan to buy a vehicle soon, attending an auto show before committing may help you widen your shortlist. The survey suggests visitors who intend to buy often do follow through, so set a budget before you walk the floor.

What happens next

The 2027 New York International Auto Show opens to the public March 26, 2027, and runs through April 4, 2027, with the Automotive Forum beginning March 23, 2027.