Dreaming of car or career? Show’s got both

Automotive industry is booming, and dealers are hungry to hire new staff

One of the most anticipated events in the automotive industry each year is the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto, a dazzling 10-day consumer show that features the best that our industry has to offer.

As the current president of the auto show, I’ve had the privilege and honour of being involved in the organizing and planning of this popular consumer show, and it’s been an exciting and humbling experience.

One of my aims is to promote education in the automotive industry. I’m thrilled about the TADA’s recently launched education initiative called Career Start, which includes an educational brochure and YouTube videos (visit tada.ca).

Career Start encourages new car dealers to form relationships with schools, host career information fairs, showcase career opportunities at the CIAS, and promote auto careers through traditional print and social media.

As an industry, we need to do a better job reaching out to younger people to let them know about the diversity of careers and the income potential that are available within the automotive industry. Students and parents are often surprised at the income potential that can be earned in sales, service and management.

At this year’s auto show, education will be a special focus of the TADA. I would encourage students, parents, teachers, guidance councillors and educators to drop by the TADA booth on the 700 Level to talk to industry representatives and learn about the industry. The retail automotive sector requires men and women with diverse skills and talents.

The new AutoConnect pavilion will feature Centennial College, Humber College and Georgian College highlighting hands-on exposure to the technical training, innovative vehicle design and world-class learning that helps prepare Canadian students to take their place in the industry internationally.

I am also excited about the direction of the auto show in the years ahead. Under the leadership of the new general manager, Jason Campbell, the show is aiming to become an internationally recognized Tier 1 auto show.

The CIAS will be expanding the number of features within the show to encompass more lifestyle trends, fully embrace social and digital platforms and incorporate more interactivity within the visitor experiences.

My role as president has given me a greater appreciation of the work in- volved in producing an event of this size, and it’s opened my eyes to the true value of the show to the retail car industry, to car enthusiasts and to Toronto.

For consumers, the show is a chance to see all the latest models and indulge in passion for automobiles. Specialists from all major auto brands are on hand to answer questions and provide demonstrations.

In addition to new cars, trucks, crossovers, luxury sedans, hybrids, sports coupes and electric vehicles, there are innovative exhibits that feature exotic cars and vintage cars; custom and restored cars from across Ontario; interactive displays; and special promotions, where consumers can win fabulous prizes.

The auto show is also good for Toronto, attracting tens of thousands of visitors who patronize local restaurants, hotels and stores. It’s a winwin-win for our industry, consumers and car enthusiasts.

Organizers spend a year planning and, during my presidency, I’ve seen first-hand how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated a hardworking team at the helm. I’ve attended auto shows across North American and in Europe, and the Canadian International Auto Show ranks as one of the top in the world.

The show is attended by car lovers of all ages. Many view it as an opportunity to enjoy a special outing with family, friends and colleagues, and to share their passion for all things automotive.

For more information, visit autoshow.ca and visit our social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube).

I hope that you have the opportunity to visit the Canadian International Auto Show (Feb. 13 to 22). Whatever your interest in cars, this year’s show promises to deliver a thrilling and memorable experience. Benny Leung is president of the 2015 Canadian International Auto Show and past president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association. He is a newcar dealer in the GTA. For more automotive stories, go to thestar.com/autos. Email Wheels Editor Norris McDonald at nmcdonald@thestar.ca

Cars aren’t all you’ll find at the auto show, says its president, Benny Leung. The auto retailing and servicing industry is looking to hire. It may be surprising to some to learn of the income potential in the industry, he says.