Rev your engines for the AutoShow
Without question, the most exciting automotive event of the year is the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto.
The largest consumer show in Canada in size and attendance, the 45th Canadian International AutoShow takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (north and south buildings) Feb. 16-25.
This year’s auto promises to be bigger and better than ever, with more than 125 exhibitors and more than 1,000 cars, concepts, and trucks on display, prize packages and special promotions.
This year’s theme is The New Movement, which will focus on the evolution of the automobile driven by personalization, mobility, and rapid advancements in new infrastructure and technology.
Auto manufacturers are embracing the new technologies shaping our industry, from hybrid power and electric to hydrogen fuel-cell and autonomous innovations. Consumers are eager to know more about these new developments, and the AutoShow is the place to learn from the experts.
The show will feature the fastest production car on the planet — the Koenigsegg Agera RS, appearing in Canada for the first time.
Another feature attraction will be a significant display of cars celebrating the “70 years of Porsche,” where visitors can learn about the evolution of Porsche and view a selection of historically important Porsche models on display.
The “50 Years of Hot Wheels” exhibit will showcase a Hot Wheels super track, a display area featuring Hot Wheels collectors and their treasures, and six life-size Hot Wheels replica cars.
Back by popular demand is Auto Exotica, featuring a selection of marquee vehicles, including Lamborghini, McLaren, Bugatti, Aston Martin and Tesla making a return appearance.
The ever-popular Art & the Automobile exhibit, presented by the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance, will feature vintage automobiles, with a focus on the brands and mascots that made the classics the icons they are today.
A special addition this year is the Artist’s Enclosure, where unique automotive artwork will be offered for sale and images from celebrated automotive photographer, Michael Furman, will be on display.
Ever wanted to drive an electric vehicle? Here’s your chance (as long as you are over 21 and have a valid driver’s licence).
Ten automakers will offer free test drives of their EVs in the convention centre’s north and south Buildings.
The AutoShow, in partnership with Performance Auto & Sound magazine, is sponsoring an online, fan-voted competition for modified cars called Tuner Battlegrounds. The winner will be crowned during the show.
An ever-growing global spectator sport is eSports, and the show will feature an eSports gaming area.
This will involve simulated car races on the famous Nurburgring circuit on the Forza Motorsports 7 platform, where participating competitors can earn up to $1,000 in prize money.
This year, the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association will host exhibits, interactive displays, panel discussions and presentations about education and careers in the retail automobile industry, and each day, the TADA will feature a different school, educational initiative, or extracurricular group or team on the show’s Live Stage.
Also new is the Automotive Intelligence Series, where industry leaders will discuss topical issues affecting Canadian drivers. These talks will run most days and will be free for showgoers.
Bragging rights are up for grabs when the Canadian Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards are announced on Media Day (Thursday). These awards are selected by members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
Three new awards will be announced this year: The Automotive Innovation Awards will be presented Feb. 21 for: Best Safety Innovation Best Green Innovation Best Overall Innovation The 2018 AutoShow promises to be a total immersive experience, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the products, ideas, and trends shaping the automobile industry.
For more information about this event, visit autoshow.ca.
Enjoy the show! This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to president@tada.ca or go to tada.ca. Larry Lantz is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is a new-car dealer in Hanover, Ont.