Vancouver Sun

97TH AUTO SHOW SHAPING UP TO BE THE BEST YET

With two straight record-setting years in rearview mirror, expect big things again

- BLAIR QUALEY Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Associatio­n of BC. You can email him at bqualey@newcardeal­ers.ca

The 2017 Vancouver Internatio­nal Auto Show opens tomorrow and while the finishing touches and final details are being put on the 97th show, I can say that this year’s show is going to be more exciting than ever before.

Being one of the most highly anticipate­d auto events in the country, the Vancouver Auto Show has broken attendance for the past two years by offering showgoers the most amazing displays of automobile­s, auto technology and aftermarke­t accessorie­s in a sales-pressurefr­ee environmen­t.

So what can show-goers expect to see this year?

Highlights include a number of unique, custom vehicles that are exclusive to the auto show such as the Cedar Rocket and the iconic Hot Wheels’ Bone Shaker and the world debut of a one-ofa-kind 1937 Cord commission­ed by infamous Louisiana Senator Huey Long. The car, restored by 360 Fabricatio­n in Abbotsford, will make its first public debut on its 80th birthday, the first time it has come out of storage since 1943.

Read all about these and more in today’s auto show special section.

As always, the exotics section is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with the 2017 auto show’s supreme line-up of offerings in the luxury and exotic class. From high-end automakers like Lamborghin­i, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Bentley and McLaren, just to name a few, to models from private collection­s all over British Columbia, supercar lovers will rejoice at the multi-million dollar displays planned for the show.

Over 40 of the world’s biggest auto manufactur­ers will also be on-site to showcase their newest models. From sports cars to electric vehicles, pick-up trucks or sedans, show-goers will have the opportunit­ies to see all the newest features and product unveilings up close. This year, the show will be unveiling over 15 regional, national and North American debuts and five one-of-a-kind concept vehicles.

Consumers interested in learning more about electric vehicles will have the opportunit­y to take one for a test drive at the Electric Vehicle Experience Test Drive presented by CEVforBC and the Toyota LEXUS Hybrid Ride & Drive.

In addition, the BC SCRAP-IT program will also be on-hand to provide show-goers with more informatio­n about provincial clean energy incentives and how to save money when purchasing an electric vehicle.

Lastly, don’t forget to take part in the 2017 Vancouver Internatio­nal Auto Show’s “I Heart Cars/Trucks/Electric Vehicles” campaign. From Civics to Ferraris, Bugs to Bugatti’s, whether they are custom or electric, express your love for your ride by snapping a photo of your vehicle and submitting it online. Vehicles may be considered for drive up opportunit­ies and top entries will be eligible to win amazing prize packs from the Vancouver Internatio­nal Auto Show. Share your photos and stories and enter to win cool prizes at www.iheartcars.ca.

I hope to see you there!

 ??  ?? The 2015 Vancouver Internatio­nal Auto Show, above, and the 2016 show both had record-breaking attendance — it seems likely that this year’s show will see similar success.
The 2015 Vancouver Internatio­nal Auto Show, above, and the 2016 show both had record-breaking attendance — it seems likely that this year’s show will see similar success.
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