Welcome to the 2016 auto show

The president of TADA says there’s something for every kind of car enthusiast

As president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA), it gives me great pleasure to welcome everyone to the 2016 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, presented by the Toronto Star and Wheels.ca.

Whatever your interest in automobiles, the 2016 auto show promises to meet and exceed your expectations. I’ve been attending the auto show for years, and each year it manages to raise the bar with new, exciting exhibits, features, attractions and activities. This year is no exception.

The superstars of the auto show are, of course, the 1,000-plus passenger cars, light-duty trucks and accessories on display in the North and South buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

More than 40 vehicles will make their premieres this year, with three North American reveals planned and 11 concept vehicles being shown in Canada for the first time.

For fans of automobile history and nostalgia, the Art and the Automobile exhibit presented by the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance explores the long-standing relationship between the two, including vintage cars, auto advertising and works of art.

An exhibit celebrating the 100th running of the Indy 500 will showcase some of the iconic vehicles that have appeared at the race over the years

Visitors will have a chance to view an impressive collection of the world’s finest automobiles at Auto Exotica, including vehicles from McLaren, Ferrari, Maserati, RollsRoyce, Pagani, Lamborghini, Tesla and other exotic brands.

Auto racing will be on display at the Auto Show.

An exhibit celebrating the 100th running of the Indy 500 will showcase some of the iconic vehicles that have appeared at the race over the years and acknowledge the Canadians who have participated at this fabled event.

A new exhibit called Hot Rods & Choppers featuring Kreater will present custom vehicles and motorcycles. Reality TV star George Tchor will demonstrate a live bike build. The Cars & Stars exhibit will feature vehicles including two owned by Toronto international musical superstar Deadmau5, and Diners, DriveIns and Dives host Guy Fieri’s 1969 Chevrolet Corvette.

Anyone interested in an automotive career will appreciate the TADA’s two booths dedicated to education and career opportunities.

One booth focuses on Career Start, a TADA program that works with Ontario colleges and car dealers; the other booth focuses on the TADA’s new website — carsandjobs.com, a popular hub for dealers, job seekers, students and consumers.

The TADA will share booth space with four post-secondary schools — Centennial College, University of Toronto, Durham College and McMaster University.

Each school has some exciting material lined up — be sure to check them out.

Gaming enthusiasts will want to visit the Xbox Gaming Area, which features advanced multiplayer games, advanced entertainment technology, gaming sessions from Forza Motorsport and a Recharge Lounge.

And last — but not least — I’d like to acknowledge the great support that the auto show receives from the participating manufacturers, suppliers and sponsors.

And a special thank you to all of the show organizers. A tremendous amount of planning, co-ordination and hard work goes into making the auto show a success each year.

Whether you plan on visiting the show with friends, family or colleagues, you are in for a thrilling ride this year.

For more information, visit the website at AutoShow.ca.

So get your motor running and enjoy the show.