Gearing up for Toronto’s big moment
Contest can land your car a spot in the auto show
The Detroit auto show, officially called the North American International Auto Show, traditionally kicks off the season on this continent. This year’s event runs from Monday to Jan. 24.
Over the past several decades, auto shows have become an important showcase for companies to present the latest passenger vehicles and light duty trucks, concept cars, accessories, and to unveil new models and future plans.
I’ve been fortunate to attended many auto shows in North America and, in my opinion, the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, presented by the Toronto Star and Wheels.ca, ranks as the best of the major auto shows in North America.
This is not meant to diminish the U.S.-based shows. The Detroit Auto Show, which earned its “international” designation in the 1980s, is a major show that attracts visitors and journalists from around the world.
But in terms of size and scope, the Detroit Auto Show and its venue (Cobo Centre) need to be put into perspective. Visitors can usually view all of the vehicles on display within two or three hours.
By contrast, the Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) requires at least a full day to do it justice. Dozens of exhibits are available for viewing, which are not present south of the border. The CIAS is Canada’s largest consumer show in size and attendance, and every year it continues to improve.
It’s encouraging that the public still views these events as something worth attending. The huge numbers at last year’s Toronto show, during the deep freeze of February, speaks to the passion that people of all ages have toward automobiles and their interest in all things automotive.
Auto shows are about glitz and glamour, but they’re also about connecting with cars in a tactile and emotional way. Car shoppers can conduct all the research they want online, but nothing can replace the pure emotional connection of seeing and touching automobiles up close, and feeling the excitement in the air.
The buzz and excitement from last year continues for this year’s show. The Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA), which produces the CIAS, is planning a thrilling lineup of features, exhibits and surprises this year.
The 2016 AutoShow will feature new vehicle unveilings and Canadian premiers: a celebration of some of the vehicles — and their owners — that have gained fame in pop culture, a collection of some of the world’s most exclusive automotive brands (Auto Exotica), and an exploration of autonomous cars and the new sharing economy.
TADA will be expanding its education initiative with interactive displays and more space devoted to the diverse career opportunities in the retail automotive industry. For more information about automotive careers and industry news, visit carsandjobs.com.
The CIAS has also launched a brand new initiative designed to build excitement and engage audiences leading up to and during the 2016 Toronto show. An interactive online contest called AutoShow Your Auto invites contestants to submit their most prized car for a chance to have it displayed at the show.
The contest is now open and will accept entries until Jan. 18.
I’ll be discussing the Toronto auto show in greater depth in the weeks ahead, so stay tuned.
Once again, TADA is proud to support Prostate Cancer Canada. This year, our association has donated a custom 2016 Audi S5 valued at over $119,443 for the Rock the Road Raffle. For ticket information, visit rocktheroadraffle.ca. This column represents the views of TADA. Write president@tada.ca or go to tada.ca. Doug Sullivan is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association. He is a new-car dealer in Huntsville, Ont.