TORONTO, Ont. — The world’s best-selling toy — Hot Wheels — is returning to the Canadian International AutoShow as a featured exhibitor celebrating five decades of of the AutoShow presenting the industry’s ”hottest wheels.”
And as part of the celebration, the AutoShow and Hot Wheels, in partnership with PASMAG Tuning 365, are inviting car collectors to have their own pride and joy included as part of the festivities.
The miniature cars of the Hot Wheels brand are one of the most iconic toys in history. Since the first generation of Hot Wheels was released by toymaker Mattel in 1968, the cars and race track sets have been a staple in toyboxes and playrooms everywhere. In many cases, an adult’s passion for the automobile started with a small Hot Wheels and a big imagination.
Hot Wheels is returning to the AutoShow after first appearing for its 50th anniversary in 2018. This year, it will be offering a kids’ play zone, retail space, classic Hot Wheels cars and five life-sized Hot Wheels vehicles from the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and collector cars. In conjunction with Hot Wheels returning to the AutoShow, car enthusiasts and collectors are invited to submit their own ride for consideration to be included in the 2023 AutoShow.
“Hot Wheels is one of the most well-known brands in the world, and has inspired countless people to become car collectors in their adult years,” says Jason Campbell, General Manager of the AutoShow. “We want to give those car-lovers the opportunity to show off the cars that continue to fuel their passion for the automobile. We have showcased a lot of hot-looking cars over the past 50 years of the AutoShow. We’d love to see what our fans and patrons have to show.”
The AutoShow is offering Canadian collectors and those who have spent countless hours in the garage restoring, building, tinkering, loving and maintaining their dream cars to have them under the bright lights of the AutoShow. Whether the car has a legendary history, is a giant in pop culture, a performance monster that turns heads or has been modified to be a personal expression of yourself, the AutoShow would like to see it.
All model years are accepted — the critical determining factor: Does the car make you go WOW! This is open to all entries, but the most important aspect will be the story your car is telling.
To submit your car for consideration, please visit autoshow.pasmag.com and submit a series of pictures showing off your car with a short description of the story your car tells. Successful entries will be provided fees to support the cost of transporting their car to the AutoShow, a commemorative vehicle display board, two tickets to the AutoShow’s VIP night on February 16th, a gift bag from the AutoShow and Hot Wheels, 10 free passes to the AutoShow to share with family and friends and full show exhibitor access for up to four representatives allowing unlimited access to the AutoShow.
The display at the AutoShow will include full car lighting, security and vehicle detailing on-site.
Up to 10 vehicles will be chosen to be showcased at the AutoShow, as selected by a panel that includes representatives of Hot Wheels, PASMAG Tuning365 and the AutoShow and fan votes. Final vehicle selection will take place February 1st, and will include at least three of the top five vote-getters in the winning selections.
The full-sized Hot Wheels that will be on display at the AutoShow will be:
- 1968 Chevrolet Corvette — “The Midas Monkey” car featured in “Fast n Loud” TV Show
- 1966 Pontiac GTO
- 1971 Chevrolet El Camino
- 2001 Twin Mill
- 2014 Star Wars Darth VaderTM Car (a fan favourite returning to the AutoShow)
Hot Wheels will be found on the 800 level of the South Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
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 @autoshowcanada and 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.
About Mattel Inc.
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com.
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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
