Save the Date: ‘Full Throttle’ is Theme of 64th Northwood University International Auto Show, Oct. 8-10, 2027!
Building on a milestone year that featured more than 325 new vehicles valued at $60 million, expanded industry participation, and historic investment in students, the Northwood University International Auto Show is ready to go “Full Throttle” in 2027, with Nicholas “Nick” Porter leading the 64th annual show on Oct. 8-10.
“Full Throttle is about building on the tradition that brought us here and accelerating toward what comes next,” said Porter, a student from Commerce Township, Michigan. “We want guests to feel the energy of the automotive industry’s future and see what Northwood students can accomplish when we bring our ideas, ambition and teamwork together.”
Porter was named general chair of the 2027 Northwood University International Auto Show (NUIAS) during an Oct. 2 Captains Gala at the Midland Country Club. The event celebrated 2026 General Chair Chase Southwick and the accomplishments of the more than 300 students who supported this year’s show, Sept. 18-20. The show featured 58 automotive manufacturer brands, including eight new to NUIAS, and a new powersports division. The aftermarket, racing and heavy-duty sectors featured 44 companies, including 16 new participants, and more than $11.9 million in displayed assets. More than 90 students were involved in those sectors, expanding the range of industry relationships and career opportunities represented at the show.
The Thursday Night Preview drew approximately 250 guests, a record for that event. A new main stage added entertainment and interviews, while the Driven to Inspire women’s panel and Paving the Way Awards Brunch connected attendees with automotive leaders. Students also reported the show’s highest sponsor participation outside the show’s landmark 50th anniversary year.
With its “Northwood Drives America” theme, the 2026 show celebrated America’s 250th anniversary and the automotive industry’s contributions to enterprise, innovation and culture.
Completely student-led since its founding in 1964, NUIAS gives students responsibility for industry relationships, sponsorships, marketing, logistics, finance and guest experiences. They apply their business education, manage resources, solve problems and fulfill commitments to exhibitors, sponsors and visitors.
“Our students turn months of planning into an experience that brings the automotive industry and our community together,” said NUIAS Adviser Elgie Bright. “Their work demonstrates the initiative, accountability and creativity we seek to develop at Northwood. We congratulate Chase and the entire 2026 team and look forward to seeing Nick and his fellow students build on their success.”
Porter is a business management major in Northwood’s Bachelor of Business Administration/Master of Business Administration program. As vice marketing chair for the 63rd show, he helped guide marketing strategy, digital outreach and promotional planning. His background also includes entrepreneurial projects, social media management and campus involvement.
For 2027, Porter envisions an energetic, future-focused show that builds excitement about where the industry and university are heading. “Full Throttle” reflects his desire to carry the momentum of Northwood’s automotive tradition into new ideas and opportunities.
“When I think about how ‘Full Throttle’ connects our vision for the show with The Northwood Idea, I think of limited government as removing the brakes on innovation, free markets as accelerating progress, and individual responsibility as taking control of the wheel,” Porter said. “As student leaders, we have the freedom to bring new ideas to life and the responsibility to see them through. That’s the energy we want to bring to the 2027 show. We want guests to leave excited about the future of the automotive industry and the role our generation can play in shaping it.”
The major announcements featured during this year’s Auto Show demonstrated how alumni achievement, donor generosity and industry partnerships strengthen Northwood’s mission as America’s Free Enterprise University, turning support into scholarships, modern learning spaces and greater access to industry professionals.
The Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies’ CAMS Industry Summit connected students, faculty, alumni and automotive professionals for discussions about the industry’s future, reinforcing CAMS’ role in preparing leaders who can help shape the automotive and mobility workforce.
During the Sept. 18 summit, alumnus and automotive entrepreneur Jim Koons announced a pledge of up to $30 million — the largest philanthropic commitment in university history. It includes $20 million in direct investment and $10 million in challenge funding tied to undergraduate enrollment growth and fundraising milestones. Supporting residential facilities, automotive education and scholarships, Koons’ commitment connects an alumnus’ business success with opportunities for future students to develop their talents, pursue ideas and create value for others.
A ceremonial sod-turning that day marked the next phase of Wildstein Hall and the Reynolds and Reynolds Conference Center. Supported by donors and industry partners, the project will provide modern spaces for learning, professional development and student-industry collaboration, including practical experience in event and hospitality operations.
The facilities also will accommodate conferences and community events, strengthening Northwood’s role as a gathering place for the automotive and mobility sectors and the Great Lakes Bay Region.
That evening, the sold-out Auto Show Gala at Midland Country Club raised a record amount of more than $500,000 for student scholarships. Net proceeds support the Town & Campus Endowed Scholarship and Alumni Legacy Endowed Scholarship, helping make a Northwood education possible for students who otherwise might not be able to attend.
“Together, these milestones gave prospective students and families a firsthand view of Northwood’s business education: students assume meaningful responsibility, build industry relationships and exercise freedom with accountability,” stated Dean and Associate Provost Dr. Stacey Tetloff. “Continued alumni, donor and industry support will extend those opportunities to future free-enterprise leaders.”
The 64th Northwood University International Auto Show will be held Oct. 8-10, 2027, in Midland, Michigan. Follow planning updates at auto.northwood.edu.
