Final preparations are under-way for the North American International Auto Show. Organizers are hoping for success, despite a number of auto-makers skipping this year’s event.

CGTN’s Dan Williams has more from Detroit.

For many automakers, the North American International Auto show remains a key date on the calendar. Over the next few days, auto manufacturers will launch an array of new vehicles including Cadillacs, Toyotas, Fords and Kias.

But other automakers  – such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes – have decided to skip this year’s event

Some prefer to reveal their latest tech at other events such as the Consumer Electronics Show that takes place in Las Vegas. Though this could change in 2020, when the show moves to a warmer June date, allowing auto companies the chance to make use of outdoor spaces and provide more exciting exhibits for the public.

In the meantime, organizers of this year’s show say there’s still plenty going on.

“This year for the very first time, we’re going to have automobiles moving on the show floor,” according to Bill Perkins, the event’s chairman. “We have two test tracks, so people will be able to experience riding in the car, besides just seeing and sitting in it.”

This auto show takes place during a difficult time for U.S. car manufacturers. The likes of Ford and General Motors are in the middle of restructuring programs that will see the closure of plants and thousands of workers laid off.

The impact of steel and aluminum tariffs remains a key concern. The issue of tariffs on automobile imports is also a potential threat this year.

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Patrick George talks what’s in store at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show

CGTN’s Wang Guan spoke to Patrick George about the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. George is the Editor-in-Chief of Jalopnik: an online, news outlet focusing on the latest in the automotive industry.