The Detroit Auto Show returns to Huntington Place next week, aka the former Cobo Hall.

In light of its much-anticipated return, here is a look at the origins of this event.

The Detroit Auto Show actually dates way back to the late 19th century.

In 1899, William Metzger was Detroit's lone auto dealer. Metzger was a leading figure in the Tri-State Automobile and Sporting Goods Association at the time.

That year, the group put two electric and two steam-powered cars on display, as part of a local sporting goods show at Detroit's Light Guard Armory. 

The seeds were planted, on the northwest corner of East Larned and Brush Streets. 

Those seeds soon began to grow. Auto sales were picking up, and Detroit's car show kept on growing. 

It was held in a limited capacity until 1907, when the upstart Detroit Automobile Dealers Association (DADA) organized a car show of their own.

 From that point on, larger auto expos were held annually at different sites across the city. 

As a result of World War II, the yearly shows were paused for an extended period. 

The Detroit Auto Show found a proper home with the opening of Cobo Hall in 1960. 

Over the years, Detroit's annual car show steadily grew into a world-renowned industry event.

Car enthusiasts from around the world have converged on Cobo Hall in mid-January for the occasion. 

It was later rebranded the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in 1989.  NAIAS was meant to be more indicative of the Motor City's lofty status in the global auto industry.

It swelled in attendance through the 1990s and early 2000s. Then there would be some growing pains, and other pitfalls along the way.

So many are happy to see the show back where it belongs.

At least half a million people are expected to attend this year. An array of attractions are on deck for 2025. Among them are four indoor test tracks, exotic and luxury vehicle displays and Racing Day with the Detroit Grand Prix.

Aside from all the glitz and glamour, the show does plenty of good. 

Since 1976, the event’s black-tie charity preview has raised more than $112 million for various children’s charities, making it the most successful one-night annual fundraiser in the nation.

Now that's something to get excited about.