Enthusiasts all revved up for Vancouver auto show
From electrics to classics, supercars to concepts, event promises wow factor
The Vancouver International Auto Show returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre in just a few weeks. For those who want to view a wide variety of advanced technology electric vehicles, the event is the place to be, as the world’s leading auto manufacturers display their latest products, including those not yet in dealer showrooms.
The expanded Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre will provide an opportunity for visitors to test-drive and learn more about this important, and growing consumer option through its test-drive experience, presented by CEVforBC and charged up by FLO. In total, the testdriving selection of 36 vehicles is the largest ever and many of the top-selling brands will be available including the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, Chevy Bolt, Mitsubishi Outlander, Chrysler Pacifica, VW e- Golf, Toyota Prius-Prime and Lexus VHX. (For more info about show test-drives visit: vancouverinternationalautoshow.com/experience/test-drives)
This year, all show attendees will have the opportunity to enter to win the grand prize vehicle: a new 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV, courtesy of B.C. Chevrolet dealers.
On a per capita basis, B.C. is a leader in EV adoption, accounting for the sale of approximately 8,400 zero-emission vehicles in 2018. Incentive programs like CEVforBC have played a big part in making EVs more affordable for British Columbians. Since the program was established in April of 2015, almost 11,000 incentive transactions have taken place, with more than half of those in the last calendar year.
Of course, the auto show is about so much more than what’s new or what’s next on the EV front. The event will include a number of features that will be sure to turn heads. For example: the famed and heavily modified 1965 notchback Mustang, otherwise known as the Hoonicorn Mustang, will be on display for the first time anywhere in Canada; the Canadian-made and -designed Felino Supercar will make its western Canadian debut, and; the Vancouver auto show will mark the first appearance in Western Canada for the McLaren Senna, considered to be one of the most widely anticipated supercars of 2019.
Another feature that is sure to capture the attention of show goers will be the Genesis Essentia Concept Car. For the nostalgic, the first new Toyota Supra to be produced in North America in 21 years will be on display. And making its first appearance at the event will be Bumblebee, one of eight VW Bugs used in the Transformers movie of the same name.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Show offerings will include a who’s who of the luxury and exotic classes. There will be an ode to the past with some of the finest original and restored vintage automobiles you will find anywhere under one roof. Add to that a wide array of sports cars, pickup trucks, sedans, supercars, classics and specialty one-off creations. There will truly be something for everyone.