Stellantis bows out, and the Camp Jeep test track won’t be returning to the Chicago Auto Show…

Stellantis, the maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep, announced its withdrawing from the 2024 Chicago Auto Show, citing “challenging U.S. market conditions.”

The automaker’s decision effectively ends the fan-favorite Camp Jeep test track’s nearly 20-year run. Stellantis, the Dutch company whose brands also include Maserati and FIAT, said it’s canceling participation in major auto shows, including Chicago, Los Angeles and the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

In a statement, Stellantis spokesperson Rick Deneau said, “to be as efficient as possible in our media spend, we are evaluating participation in auto shows on a case-by-case basis, while prioritizing opportunities for consumers to experience our vehicles first-hand.”

“Obviously the Stellantis news is disappointing to us,” said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Dave Sloan. “But we are working to fill that space and make the show everything Chicagoans have come to love.”

Many attendees had come to love the elaborate test tracks that Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge had brought to the show in recent years. Camp Jeep included obstacle courses and hills that recreated the challenging environments where the off-road vehicles thrive. The drag strip showcased the acceleration of Dodge’s muscle cars.

Sloan said other manufacturers will be attending the show and will have test tracks of their own.

“Thankfully, the Ford Bronco track is back, right there near the front door,” he said. “I am sure they will add one or two more Broncos to that track to take care of all those people who want to go up a hill and enjoy it like that.”

In addition, there will be indoor electric vehicle tracks and outdoor test drives, which are anticipated to be significant components of the 2024 exhibition. This year’s event will have eight manufacturers on the EV track, as opposed to five the previous year.

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association is still optimistic that Stellantis will make a comeback in the upcoming years, despite the fact that there won’t be any cars on display at the Chicago Auto Show this year.

According to the carmaker, it is aiming to maximize its auto show marketing approach.

According to a statement from the business, Stellantis “remains committed to building products customers love, ensuring freedom of mobility for all, and becoming second to none in value creation for its employees and all other stakeholders.”

According to Sloan, the 120-year-old Chicago Auto Show will occupy the whole South building at McCormick Place rather than, as is customary, employing parts of the North and South buildings.

He claimed, “We even pulled off a show during the pandemic.” Thus, the program will have everything that fans of Chicago have grown to adore.