April 21, 2026

The most profitable opportunities in automotive retail aren’t always the loudest. In fact, the real growth engine for many dealerships isn’t on the sales floor. It’s in the service drive.

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.

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, 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.

The 2026 Chicago Auto Show introduced an exciting new attraction that quickly became a highlight for attendees.

The Chicago Auto Show raised more than $2 million, benefiting 18 local charities, at the First Look for Charity gala on Friday, Feb. 6.

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.

Who Attends the Auto Show? 55% of attendees were ages 25-55 44% of attendees intend to purchase within 12 months; half of those plan to purchase within 6 months Nearly 50% of first-time visitors added a brand to their consideration list Nearly 50% of attendees have an annual HHI of $100,000+ Attendees spent an average

Recent changes in federal tax law now allow businesses to fully deduct the cost of capital improvements — including both equipment and installation labor — in the year they are made, rather than depreciating them over multiple years.