OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producer of the Chicago Auto Show, is expanding its popular fall consumer test drive event with a new name, new branding and an even broader vehicle lineup. Formerly known as Chicago Drives Electric, Chicago Auto Show: Behind the Wheel, presented by ComEd, will take place Oct. 1-4, 2026, at the ComEd Building, 3 Lincoln Center in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.
The reimagined event reflects today’s evolving automotive marketplace by expanding beyond electric vehicles to showcase the latest all-electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and traditional gas-powered vehicles. Consumers will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel to test drive the latest cars, trucks and SUVs from participating manufacturers, allowing them to compare different powertrain options in one convenient location.
“As the automotive industry continues to evolve, so has this event,” said CATA President Jennifer Morand. “Chicago Auto Show: Behind the Wheel reflects the needs of today’s consumers by offering the opportunity to experience a broad range of vehicles in one place. Whether you’re interested in an EV, a hybrid or a traditional gas-powered vehicle, this event helps shoppers make informed decisions through hands-on experiences.”
Knowledgeable product specialists will be onsite to answer questions, explain the latest vehicle technologies and help consumers determine which vehicles best fit their lifestyles and driving needs, helping shoppers make informed decisions. Participating brands include BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, Toyota, VinFast and more, with a full listing of vehicles available for test drives to be announced closer to the event.
Attendees can register for a driving session at ChicagoAutoShow.com/BehindTheWheel. Tickets are $10 per driving participant, while non-driving guests may register to attend free of charge. Driving participants must be at least 18 years old and present a valid driver’s license. Driving sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Session times are Thursday, Oct. 1 (1-6 p.m.); Friday, Oct. 2 (8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-6 p.m.); Saturday, Oct. 3 (8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-6 p.m.); and Sunday, Oct. 4 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.).
In the next calendar year, the 2027 Chicago Auto Show public event will take place Feb. 13-21 at McCormick Place. The Media Preview dates are Feb. 11-12, and the First Look for Charity black-tie gala will be held the evening of Feb. 12. Tickets to the 2027 Chicago Auto Show and First Look for Charity gala will go on sale this fall at ChicagoAutoShow.com.
About Chicago Auto Show: Behind the Wheel
Chicago Auto Show: Behind the Wheel is an interactive consumer test drive event produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA). The event showcases the latest all-electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and traditional gas-powered vehicles, giving consumers the opportunity to compare a variety of models and experience today’s newest automotive technologies firsthand. For more information, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com/BehindTheWheel.
About the Chicago Auto Show
First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the nation’s longest running auto exposition in North America. The show is produced by Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which has staged the show since 1935. The 2027 public show is Feb. 13-21 at McCormick Place. For more information and the latest updates, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.
About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the nation’s largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It is comprised of more than 420 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, visit www.CATA.info.
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SOURCE Chicago Auto Show
