CATA News

In an April 17 Webinar sponsored by NADA, the FTC confirmed that under its authority pursuant to Section 5 of the FTC Act, advertised prices of vehicles in all 50 states, irrespective of state laws, must now include documentary fees. The FTC reached this decision by excepting only “mandated” charges, such as license, title, and tax, from advertised prices. Documentary fees, while “authorized”  in many states (like Illinois) are not “mandated” in any state.

Andrew Ferguson, Chairman of the FTC, and Chris Mufarrige, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, provided the guidance. Chairman Ferguson noted that voluntary adherence to these guidelines will act to prevent additional federal regulation.

Additional items discussed were:

1. Advertising is defined broadly, and includes any written or oral representations in any medium, including on the showroom floor.
2. The party responsible for content is the party that is subject to FTC enforcement.
3. Dealers may show the MSRP of the vehicle in their advertising (as “MSRP”), but the advertised price, in the largest and most notable type, must also include the documentary fee.
4. In lease advertisements, the amount due at signing must also include the documentary fee.
5. All advertised vehicles must be readily available for purchase. If a previously advertised vehicle has been sold, it must be promptly deleted from the website or other advertising medium. The term “in transit” is permitted, but dealers are urged to err on the side of caution with such language. “In transit” could reasonably refer to a couple of days; a couple of weeks would seem unreasonable.
6. Any additional products added to a vehicle must truly be optional and consumers must clearly consent to purchasing such products.
7. Limited rebates can be shown, but cannot be included in the most prominent advertised price of the vehicle.

The FTC will promulgate a list of Q&As on these topics in the near future.

Dealers who feel their competitors are unfairly violating any of these rules can file a complaint directly with the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/. As these are now deemed to be “federal” violations, such reporting will likely take the place of current reporting of these violations to the Better Business Bureau.

NADA members can find a recording of the April 17 webinar here. 

Better Business Bureau: FTC Requires Doc Fee to Be Included in Advertised Price

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is aware of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requirement that documentary service fees charged by dealers nationwide must now be included in advertised prices of vehicles. This new federal mandate conflicts with Rule 475.310 of the Illinois Motor Vehicle Advertising Regulations. The same situation exists in over 20 other states that also allow doc fees to be excluded from advertised prices as long as the fees are clearly and conspicuously disclosed. The FTC states that Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, the basis for the recent 97 letters to dealers nationwide, preempts state laws concerning doc fees that conflict with this mandate.

The CATA/BBB advertising review program, in effect since 1996, is the place where dealers can refer those competitors who may be non-compliant with the Illinois Motor Vehicle Advertising Regulations, ensuring a fair marketplace for dealers and consumers. The program is based on Illinois law enforced by the Illinois Attorney General and is handled by the BBB with permission from that office. However, the requirement that doc fees must be included in advertised prices nationwide is a matter of federal law enforced by the FTC; the BBB has no role in that. As a result, the BBB is not the correct place to refer dealers who fail to include doc fees in advertised prices. That place is exclusively ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

The FTC will consider complaints as it determines what enforcement actions to take. In addition, the FTC intends to partner with the industry nationwide to understand who the “bad actors” are through complaints and to limit its enforcement actions to this category of dealers. Therefore, it is important that Illinois dealers use ReportFraud.ftc.gov to inform the FTC of doc fee issues, as well as other issues, to further these goals. The BBB will also continue to accept dealer referrals concerning the Illinois Motor Vehicle Advertising Regulations, as they have consistently done under the CATA/BBB advertising program for 30 years.

We hope this article clarifies the role of the CATA/BBB advertising review program going forward considering the FTC doc fee mandate. 

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association is proud to introduce the new Drive for Excellence Awards, recognizing the individuals and dealerships setting the standard for excellence across Chicagoland.

The awards highlight achievement in five key areas:

• Next-Gen Award — Recognizes an emerging leader making a meaningful impact early in their career through leadership, innovation and commitment to the future of the retail automotive industry.
• Outstanding Sales Performer Award — Honors a dealership sales professional who consistently delivers exceptional sales results while providing an outstanding customer experience.
• Parts & Service Superstar Award — Recognizes an exceptional fixed operations professional who goes above and beyond to support dealership success and customer satisfaction.
• Community Impact Award — Celebrates a dealership that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to supporting and strengthening its local community through outreach, partnerships, volunteerism and charitable initiatives.
• Innovative Marketing Award — Honors a dealership that developed and executed a creative and effective marketing strategy or campaign that strengthened its brand, reached customers in new ways and delivered measurable results.

Nomination Deadline

CATA members are encouraged to submit nominations recognizing the people and dealerships making a meaningful impact within their businesses, communities and the industry. Nominations must be submitted by May 29. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony during the CATA Annual Meeting on July 21. 

For more information & to submit a nomination, visit HERE

Tuesday, July 21
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club | Lemont, IL

Registration is now open for the 2026 CATA Golf Outing & Annual Meeting, taking place on Tuesday, July 21 at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont, IL.

Join CATA dealer and allied members for a full day of networking, golf and association updates. Whether you're an avid golfer or prefer to connect off the course, there are registration options for all.

Event Schedule (New Format for 2026!)

11 a.m. – Check-in and Registration Begins
12 p.m. – Shotgun Start (lunch provided)
4 p.m. - Golf Clinic (separate registration)
5 p.m. – Happy Hour and Networking
6 p.m. – Dinner and Evening Program to include:

• CATA Annual Meeting
• CATA Drive for Excellence Awards & Recognition
• Keynote Speaker, Dan Hampton
  Dan Hampton is a Chicago Bears Super Bowl–winning defensive legend and one of the most decorated players of his era.

Registration Options

Full-Day Golf & Dinner
Enjoy a noon shotgun start across two courses, followed by happy hour, dinner and the evening program. Registration includes lunch, greens fees, on-course beverages, happy hour and dinner.

Golf Clinic & Dinner
Perfect for those looking to sharpen their skills without playing a full round. Includes small-group instruction with a Cog Hill golf professional at 4 p.m., followed by happy hour, dinner and the evening program.

Dinner-Only
Join us beginning at 5 p.m. for happy hour, dinner and the evening program.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Becoming a golf outing sponsor provides a great opportunity to gain exposure to the 250+ members who attend the outing every year as well as support the association. You will have prime networking opportunities throughout the day and evening and be recognized during the event. 

If you're interested in sponsoring, contact Patrick Ziegenfuss at pziegenfuss@drivechicago.com or 630-424-6035. 

Learn More & Register HERE  

The 2026 Chicago Auto Show came to a successful close on Monday, Feb. 16, after a 10-day run at McCormick Place. The 118th edition of the show welcomed 211,850 attendees to experience the latest cars, trucks and SUVs, cutting-edge automotive technology and electrified mobility, producing more than 102,000 in-vehicle experiences across indoor and outdoor activations.

Manufacturers from across the industry showcased their newest models and innovations, giving consumers the opportunity to compare vehicles side-by-side and engage directly with brand experts. Notable vehicles at the show included the 2026 Cadillac Celestiq, 2026 Honda Prelude, 2026 Jeep Recon, 2027 Kia Telluride, 2027 RAM 1500 SRT TRX, 2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Toyota RAV4. Concept vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette CX Concept and Tesla Robotaxi also drew significant attention on the show floor, highlighting the industry’s continued focus on design, performance and future mobility solutions.

Four immersive indoor test tracks and daily outdoor test drives provided attendees with hands-on opportunities to experience the latest vehicles firsthand. The fan-favorite Camp Jeep returned with its signature off-road course, offering thrill rides that demonstrated Jeep’s legendary 4x4 capability on a dynamic indoor obstacle track. Ford’s “Built Wild” experience once again highlighted the Bronco family’s off-road prowess, while the Chicago Drives Electric track, powered by ComEd, allowed guests to ride in a wide range of battery-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

New for 2026, the Chicago Drives gas-powered track debuted on the show floor, giving attendees an additional passenger-seat experience featuring gas and hybrid models. Combined with outdoor test drives from participating manufacturers including Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Ram, Subaru, Tesla and Toyota, the expanded offerings reinforced the show’s commitment to interactive, hands-on engagement.

“Each year we strive to make the Chicago Auto Show more immersive and relevant for today’s consumers,” said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Jennifer Morand. “From hands-on test tracks to dynamic new exhibits, the show gave attendees countless opportunities to explore, compare and experience the latest advancements in the automotive space.”

New and returning specialty exhibits further elevated the show experience. Making its debut, Chi-Town Alley brought Chicago’s vibrant car culture to life through an immersive, high-energy display featuring performance vehicles, custom builds, street-inspired rides and exotics. The exhibit also showcased six locally selected vehicles from the inaugural Chi-Town Alley Showcase contest, where the fan-voted winner, Tim Mejias, was ultimately named and recognized for his 1997 BMW M3. As part of the honor, Mejias received an invitation to return and display his winning vehicle at the 2027 Chicago Auto Show. Attendees could also enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaker and car enthusiast Sung Kang’s upcoming film “DRIFTER,” including two versions of the film’s hero car, “Lola.”

Returning exhibits also drew strong engagement throughout the show’s run. Overlanding Chicago expanded its footprint with additional demonstrations, specialty vehicles and upfitting vendors focused on adventure-ready builds and the overlanding lifestyle. For the first time, participating Overlanding exhibitors camped overnight on the show floor, transforming the exhibit into a city-style campsite complete with activities like hide-and-seek, story time and “campfire” snacks. The Family Zone once again provided a dedicated, family-friendly space with interactive activities including a kids’ Power Wheels track, Sim Drive racing simulators, car seat demonstrations with Britax and hands-on play areas designed to engage younger attendees while immersing them in the auto show environment.

This year’s themed days and special events attracted enthusiastic crowds and diverse audiences. The Miles Per Hour Run returned as a unique indoor running experience through the show floor, drawing more than 800 participants from 12 different states. Automotive Career Day welcomed nearly 2,000 students from across the Chicagoland area, offering a firsthand look at the wide range of opportunities within the automotive industry. Chicago Friday Night Flights also returned as a one-of-a-kind craft beer sampling event paired with live music and full access to the show.

“Chicagoland’s new-car dealers continue to set the standard, uniting to deliver one of the most prestigious auto shows in the world and standing firmly behind the local organizations that power our community,” said 2026 Chicago Auto Show Chairman Jason Roberts. “The Chicago Auto Show continues to stand out as a place where innovation, culture and consumer engagement come together. This year’s new exhibits, expanded ride-alongs and diverse displays demonstrated how the show continues to evolve alongside the industry.”

In partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois, the Dennis Buckley Memorial Blood Drive, a meaningful tradition spanning more than two decades, returned during the 2026 Chicago Auto Show. The drive collected 1,441 units of blood, the second-highest total in show history, helping provide lifesaving support to as many as 4,323 patients and their families while addressing critical winter blood shortages.

Fan engagement extended well beyond the show floor. Early analytics indicate that the Chicago Auto Show generated strong reach across digital and social media platforms, with millions of impressions, extensive video content and positive audience sentiment highlighting excitement around new exhibits, interactive experiences and the return of key manufacturers.

The show also saw strong and growing support from sponsors for 2026, led by premier partners Cars.com and ComEd. Official sponsors included Sim Drive and Drive Chicago, with additional support from star sponsors U.S. Army and Mattress Firm, and supporting sponsors Renewal by Andersen and Britax. These partners played a key role in enhancing onsite activations, interactive exhibits and branded experiences that contributed to a more engaging and dynamic attendee experience throughout the show.

The Chicago Auto Show is already gearing up with plans to return to McCormick Place next February. Dates for the 2027 Chicago Auto Show are Feb. 12 (First Look for Charity) and Feb. 13-21 (public show).

For more information on the Chicago Auto Show, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com.

Over the past 15 years, CATA’s trustee representation on the Local 701 Pension, Welfare, and 401(k) Trust Funds has delivered measurable financial progress for those Funds, while continuing to ensure that these Funds are structured and funded appropriately given the unique needs of every stakeholder in the industry, including CATA dealer members.

Pension Fund: From Critical to Nearly Fully Funded

When Chris Konecki, CATA Executive Vice President and full-time CATA employee, first became a trustee on the Local 701 Pension Fund 15 years ago, the Fund was in the “red zone,” meaning it was less than 80% funded and certified by its actuary as being in “critical” status. Today? The Fund is 98% funded, certified by its actuary as being in the “green” zone (which is the healthiest designation the Fund can receive under the law), and projected to be fully funded within two years (and to stay fully funded for the foreseeable future).

Impact for Employers:

Once fully funded, withdrawal liability will be fully eliminated for employers who sell their businesses, which is a significant financial and strategic advantage for the entire industry.

Second Pension Plan Prevented:

In the most recent Local 701 contract negotiations, there was a serious risk of the Union seeking to add a second pension plan, the IAM National Pension Fund. The IAM National Pension Fund is not as well funded as the Local 701 Pension Fund, and the addition of this second fund to the Local 701 agreements could have substantially increased each dealer’s potential withdrawal liability.

Through trustee-led negotiations, this second pension was kept out of the agreement, protecting dealers from added long-term financial exposure, and strengthening the Local 701 Pension Fund so that it achieves full funding and can continue to provide meaningful pension benefits to employees.

In addition, Konecki also serves as a trustee for the Local 731 Teamsters Pension and Welfare Funds, where the pension fund currently has zero withdrawal liability and remains very well-funded.

Welfare Fund: Stabilized and Strengthened

The Local 701 Welfare Fund has also improved significantly since Konecki became a trustee. The Welfare Fund, like the Pension Fund, is now very well-funded and projected to stay well-funded for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, following recent negotiations among the trustees, the Welfare Fund’s premium rates will include an assumed future investment return, which should result in lower annual healthcare premium cost increases beginning with the 2029 contract cycle. 

The progress achieved over the past 15 years reflects steady, experienced leadership by Konecki and the CATA, focused on:

• Financial stability
• Risk reduction
• Long-term sustainability for every stakeholder, including CATA members and other employers

Strong benefit funds don’t happen by accident. They require experience, diligence and a commitment to protecting every stakeholder in the industry, including the dealers CATA represents. Furthermore, union negotiations don’t just affect unionized dealerships; they influence the broader market by helping set compensation standards and cost structures that impact both union and non-union dealerships.

Konecki balances this critical trustee role alongside his CATA leadership and Chicago Auto Show responsibilities with dedication and discipline. His passion for the dealer industry is evident in every role in which he serves, and his understanding of the industry (and of the Local 701 and Local 731 Benefit Funds) is second to none.

Fifteen years ago, the Local 701 Funds were in trouble. Today, they are strong, stable, and positioned for full funding well into the future. That transformation reflects disciplined leadership and deep institutional knowledge. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, Konecki’s experience and expertise developed over many years of serving in this role will remain essential to protecting the dealer industry, CATA members and their businesses.

Chicago Auto Show organizers, in partnership with A Girls Guide to Cars, held the ninth annual What Drives Her program during the show’s Media Preview on Friday, Feb. 6. Industry leaders from across the country came together for a robust discussion and award recognition ceremony to highlight women in four different categories: Industry Trailblazer, Best in Craft Media, Automotive Ally and Best Retailer. The program gives industry leaders a stage to share trends, stories and personal anecdotes of the integral role that women hold in the auto industry. 

Best Retailer 2026 Winner: Alyssa Farkas, assistant general manager, Arnie Bauer Buick GMC Cadillac

The Best Retailer award recognizes a female employed by a Chicago-area dealership that demonstrates a high level of commitment and drive to any task at hand, whether that's in sales, service or technical support.

Farkas received a standout nomination recognizing her significant impact at Arnie Bauer Buick GMC Cadillac since 2011. She advanced from BDC manager to sales manager before being promoted to assistant general manager in 2023. In 2025, Farkas led an initiative through the ComEd EV program that helped the dealership finish as the nation’s top GMC EV dealer.

Best Retailer finalists included: Kelly Kane, marketing and social media manager, Brilliance Subaru, and Jennifer Pascoe, service advisor, Jerry Haggerty Chevrolet.

The 2026 What Drives Her program returns to the Chicago Auto Show Media Preview held Feb. 5 at McCormick Place. This program, now in its ninth year, recognizes and applauds outstanding females and advocates in the auto industry.

At a local level, the Best Retailer award calls on CATA dealers to nominate an extraordinary female at your dealerships. 

Best Retailer Criteria: Employed by a Chicago-area dealership, this person demonstrates a high level of commitment and drive to any task at hand, whether that’s in sales, service, finance or technical support.

Last year’s award recipient was Kelly Donku, sales manager at Bill Jacobs BMW.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 awards. Please submit your nominations by January 9.

Submit a nomination here.

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producer of the Chicago Auto Show, released the dates and plans for the 2026 event, held Feb. 7-16 at McCormick Place. Marking its 118^th edition, the show will offer attendees an engaging experience with the latest new vehicles, outdoor ride-and-drives and indoor test tracks.

“Every year, the Chicago Auto Show evolves, but 2026 will set a new standard for what an auto show experience can be,” said Chicago Auto Show Chairman Jason Roberts. “From cutting-edge vehicle technology to immersive test tracks and ride-alongs, we are giving attendees a multitude of interactive ways to explore the future of mobility, in a hands-on and fun manner.”

Attendees at this year’s show will have the chance to explore multiple indoor test tracks, providing more opportunities to ride along in some of the latest models. The Chicago Drives Electric “electrified” track returns, giving consumers the chance to experience the newest all-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Ford’s “Built Wild” track will showcase the capability of the Bronco family of vehicles, and Camp Jeep returns with its signature off-road course, offering an immersive, adventure-filled ride that highlights Jeep’s legendary 4×4 capability. The 2026 Chicago Auto Show will also offer attendees the opportunity to get behind the wheel for outdoor test drives.

Demonstrating the power and influence of an auto show, a post-show survey to 2025 Chicago Auto Show attendees found that more than one-third (35%) reported purchasing or leasing a vehicle in the months following the show. Among those who made a purchase, 84% indicated that the Chicago Auto Show was influential on their purchase decision.

“This strong post-show activity underscores the Chicago Auto Show’s ongoing role as a catalyst for consumer engagement,” said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Jennifer Morand. “It’s a testament to the power of hands-on experiences. When consumers can compare vehicles side-by-side, ask questions and truly immerse themselves, it drives confidence and ultimately decisions.”

To further enhance the attendee experience, the 2026 show will debut a brand-new, high-energy addition to the show floor: Chi-Town Alley. This immersive exhibit celebrates the city’s vibrant car culture and invites attendees to experience and engage with Chicago’s diverse automotive communities. Designed to spotlight the pride and creativity of local enthusiasts, Chi-Town Alley will reimagine the show’s former marketplace as a dynamic area showcasing everything from performance cars and custom builds to street-inspired rides and exotics.

The 2026 show is bringing back special themed days and events including:

• Exclusive VIP Tours on Friday, Feb. 6. Experience the Chicago Auto Show like never before with an exclusive 60-minute VIP Tour led in person by some of the best and brightest experts in the automotive industry. Tickets are available at ChicagoAutoShow.com
• Miles Per Hour Run on Sunday, Feb. 8: Runners can experience the auto show via a 2.4-mile loop inside McCormick Place before the event doors open to the public.
• Automotive Career Day on Tuesday, Feb. 10: Students of all ages are encouraged to come learn more about various careers within the automotive industry through a series of presentations and activations; special ticket price offered for advanced sales at $10 per ticket.
• First Responders & Military Appreciation Day on Wednesday, Feb. 11: Present your badge or military ID for free entry. Guests that accompany first responders or military personnel on this day receive a voucher for $5 off adult admission. 
• Chicago Auto Show Food Drive held Wednesday-Friday, Feb. 11-13: Bring three cans of food for A Safe Haven’s Food Bank and get a $5 voucher off regular admission.
• Chicago Friday Night Flights on Friday, Feb. 13: A one-of-a-kind indoor craft beer sampling event, along with full access to the show. 

Returning specialty exhibits:

• Overlanding Chicago is a space dedicated to showcasing the overlanding and outdoor lifestyle. In its first year on the show floor in 2025, Overlanding Chicago drew a unique crowd of show goers looking to explore life outside the urban jungle with their vehicles. With a focus on the overlanding lifestyle, the space features manufacturer displays of specialty vehicles, upfitting vendors, off-road accessories and much more. Attendees can look for an expanded space focusing on demonstrations, education and specific product features.
• Family Zone returns to the show as a dedicated area designed specifically for families and aimed at entertaining children aged 2-16. This safe and fun environment allows kids to enjoy themselves while being immersed in the auto show experience. Families will find a great variety of activities within the exhibit and around the show floor, including a kids’ Power Wheels track and more.  

“The momentum behind the Chicago Auto Show has never been stronger,” said Morand. “With the introduction of Chi-Town Alley and the return of popular attractions like the Family Zone and Overlanding Chicago, we are transforming the show into an even more dynamic, consumer-focused experience.”

The show’s 2026 Media Preview will be held Feb. 5-6 and its black-tie charity gala, First Look for Charity, will be held the evening of Friday, Feb. 6 at McCormick Place. Since its inception, First Look for Charity has raised more than $65 million for local charities, positively impacting individuals in the Chicagoland community. Attendees can once again expect an evening of gourmet food, beverages, musical entertainment and even the chance to win a brand-new 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and a 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid, all while supporting those in need. Tickets and more information for First Look for Charity can be found at FirstLookforCharity.org.

Tickets to the 2026 Chicago Auto Show are currently on sale at ChicagoAutoShow.com. The 2026 show runs Feb. 7-16 at McCormick Place and opens to the public daily at 10 a.m. Adult ticket prices are $20; seniors ages 62 and older are $15; children ages 4-12 are $15; kids 3 and younger are free. Show hours vary by day, so please check the site for details.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com. Media information is available at www.ChicagoAutoShow.com/media-information.

The Chicago Auto Show has launched a fully redesigned version of its official website, ChicagoAutoShow.com, as part of its efforts to enhance the digital experience for attendees, exhibitors and media ahead of the upcoming 2026 show. The new site reflects the excitement and innovation of the Chicago Auto Show itself, which has long been a hub for automotive debuts and industry trends.

The revamped website features a modern look, improved navigation and mobile-first design, making it easier than ever for users to access essential information about show dates, ticketing, vehicle debuts and special events. Visitors are able to explore detailed floor plans, browse photo and video galleries, and stay up to date with the latest show announcements.

“The Chicago Auto Show has always been about staying ahead of the curve, and that includes how we connect with our audience online,” said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Jennifer Morand. “This new site was designed to be faster, smarter and more user-friendly for all of our stakeholders.”

The launch of the new ChicagoAutoShow.com came at a pivotal time, as excitement continues to build for the upcoming 2026 Chicago Auto Show. This year marks the 118th edition of the Chicago Auto Show, held Feb. 7–16 at McCormick Place. Media Preview Days are scheduled for Feb. 5–6, and the First Look for Charity black-tie gala takes place on Feb. 6. For more information, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.

The Chicago Auto Show is shifting gears for 2026 with a brand-new, high-energy addition to the show floor: Chi-Town Alley. This immersive exhibit celebrates the city’s vibrant car culture and invites attendees to experience and engage with Chicago’s diverse automotive communities. Designed to spotlight the pride and creativity of local enthusiasts, Chi-Town Alley will reimagine the show’s former marketplace as a dynamic area showcasing everything from performance cars and custom builds to street-inspired rides and exotics.

“Chi-Town Alley is all about celebrating the heartbeat of Chicago’s car culture,” said Jim OBrill, Chicago Auto Show senior director of marketing & strategy. “From classic restorations to cutting-edge customizations, this space gives local car enthusiasts a place to share their passion and creativity with the entire city. It is truly a reflection of the community that keeps our automotive scene thriving year-round.”

Chi-Town Alley will transform a section of the show floor into an energetic hub of automotive expression, featuring community-built vehicles, interactive displays and cultural touchpoints inspired by Chicago’s streets and neighborhoods. Debuting at the 2026 Chicago Auto Show, Chi-Town Alley is a fresh platform for the city’s homegrown car community. Partners who have already confirmed participation in Chi-Town Alley include Chi-Town Exotic Car Group, Fully Drivn (JDM style/import vehicles), Orale Chicago Car Club (LowRiders), and Northern Mustang Corral among other custom shops and vendors. From sleek show cars to creative customizations, the space is designed to capture the individuality and energy that define Chicago’s car scene, bringing enthusiasts, creators and fans together to one exhilarating destination.

To kick off this exciting new feature, show organizers are launching the Chi-Town Alley Showcase, a contest encouraging car lovers from across the Chicagoland area to share their story. Entrants will have the opportunity for their vehicle to be featured at the 2026 Chicago Auto Show, taking place Feb. 7–16, 2026, at McCormick Place.

Car-lovers ready to be part of the action are encouraged to submit a 60-second video highlighting their vehicle and explaining why it deserves to be featured in the Chi-Town Alley exhibit. The top three finalists will have their vehicles displayed throughout the 2026 Chicago Auto Show, each receiving two complimentary show passes and the opportunity to stand proudly beside their ride.

“The Chi-Town Alley Showcase contest gives local enthusiasts a real opportunity to shine,” said OBrill. “We know Chicagoans take pride in their rides, and this contest lets the public decide who represents the best of our city’s car culture. It’s a fun, authentic way to bring that community spirit onto the show floor.”

The final winner will be chosen by attendee voting during the show, making it a true celebration of the community that defines Chicagoland’s car scene. Submissions for the contest close Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, with finalists announced in early December. To enter the Chi-Town Alley Showcase contest, visit https://m.shortstack.page/ffTPXd and complete the online entry form.

The 2026 Chicago Auto Show public event will take place Feb. 7-16 at McCormick Place. The Media Preview dates are Feb. 5-6, and the First Look for Charity black-tie gala will be held the evening of Feb. 6. For more information, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.