TORONTO, Ont. — With anxious auto enthusiasts waiting in line, the 2023 Canadian International AutoShow was officially opened Friday with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Ontario Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli and MP Francesco Sorbara, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue, joining AutoShow President Michael Eatson and Past President Cliff Lafreniere to unveil a commemorative placard welcoming guests to the 50th anniversary of Canada’s largest consumer show.
In welcoming the crowd, Premier Ford lauded Ontario’s automaking heritage and future.
“We are working to make Ontario an auto manufacturing and EV powerhouse,” he said. “We’ve worked hard to create an environment for companies to come here and create jobs.”
Following the opening, Mr. Fedeli held a fireside chat on the Innovation Stage by the Toronto Star and EnerSavings in which he also lauded Ontario as an epicentre of EV technology, innovation and production, with a $16.5-billion provincial investment in the automotive industry over the past two years to drive new ideas and help manufacturers pivot from making parts for internal combustion engines to EV parts.
“Ontario is the on the pointy edge of the spear in the electric vehicle revolution,” Mr. Fedeli said, hinting that a supply of vital minerals in northwestern Ontario, particularly lithium, will be the “sleeper” story of the year.
The AutoShow opened fully loaded with cars, trucks, SUVs and concepts across the North and South buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre — and more electric vehicles than have ever been on display at an AutoShow in Toronto.
Opening weekend coincides with Family Day weekend, presented by 407ETR, and includes a full slate of activities catered to the young and the young at heart.
“The AutoShow’s opening weekend is a great time for families to spend an exciting day together,” says Jason Campbell, General Manager of the AutoShow. “Whether shopping for a new vehicle, dreaming big among the exotics or taking part in any of the family-oriented activities we offer this year, the AutoShow is a family destination.”
Among the activities and attractions happening this Family Day weekend:
- Family Admission — Save $14 with the Family Admission Ticket for two adults and two children. Buy tickets at ca.
- Take the GO — Combine your GO ticket fare and AutoShow tickets in one easy package, including special pricing for families. Visit ca for pricing information.
- LEGO — As if the iconic toy alone isn’t enough of a draw for the little ones, the LEGO Group is showcasing for the first time in Canada a life-sized model of a Lamborghini SIAN FKP 37, constructed with more than 400,000 LEGO® TechnicTM There is also a playzone where they can build and race their own creations — and do not be surprised to see a guest appearance by a life-sized LEGO CITY Police Minifigure! (South Building, 700 Level)
- Hot Wheels — See six life-sized versions of the world’s best-selling toy from the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends — including the fan-favourite 2014 Star Wars Darth VaderTM Car — play on different track sets or take some monster truck RCs for a spin. (South Building, 800 Level)
- Test Rides — Families can sample up to 19 EVs from nine brands at the EV Test Track, a ½-kilometre, 70,000-square-foot indoor driving course. (South Building, 800 Level) Or try out the latest in electrified micromobility, including electric bicycles from AmegoEV and the single-person EV SARIT, at the Micromobility Test Track in Electric City. (North Building, 300 Level)
- Hockey — Coach Jeremy Rupke, Instagram’s @howtohockey coach, will be at the Hyundai booth on Family Day, conducting coaching sessions and passing on hockey tips. (North Building, 300 Level)
- Paralympian — Meet three-time Canadian Paralympian, World Champion and captain of Canada’s national para-hockey team Tyler McGregor. As one of Chevrolet’s Good Deeds Cup Ambassadors, Tyler will be signing autographs and taking photos at the Chevrolet booth between 11 am and 1 pm on Family Day. (South Building, 800 Level)
- Play Video Games — Go retro at an ’80s-style arcade, found in the OBLIVION exhibit that celebrates the cars and culture of the 1980s and 1990s. (South Building, 700 Level)
For more information or to buy tickets, please visit autoshow.ca. Media accreditation to the 2023 AutoShow is now online and can be requested at autoshow.ca/media-registration.
Stay connected with the Canadian International AutoShow on Instagram @autoshowca, Twitter @autoshowcanadaand Facebook /autoshowcanada.
About the Canadian International AutoShow, presented by The Toronto Star
Celebrating its 50th year, the Canadian International AutoShow features more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions spanning the North and South Buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. With annual attendance in excess of 330,000, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country’s largest consumer show. A leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive, it is a showcase for the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles and autonomous vehicles.
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For more information, please contact:
Kalvin Reid
Director of Public Relations
Enterprise Canada
289-241-7936
kreid@enterprisecanada.com
Twitter: @KalReid
