TORONTO, Ont. — People missed the Canadian International AutoShow.
Returning after two pandemic-forced cancellations in 2021 and 2022, the 50th anniversary AutoShow set four daily attendance records, including the record for the largest single-day audience in the history of the Show — and finished as the third-highest attended AutoShow in the half-century of the event. By the end of the 10-day Show, which also endured a snow and ice storm midweek, 350,214 people attended the Metro Toronto Convention Centre between Media Day and the special VIP Gala on February 16th and the public days of the Show between February 16th and 26th.
With the movement in the automotive sector towards electrification, the debut of the AutoShow’s indoor EV Test Track was immensely popular. More than 6,000 drivers, and more than 15,000 show attendees, took an EV for a two-lap spin around the half-kilometer track, with 83 per cent of them driving an EV for the first time.
“We met and overcame some significant challenges to put together the 2023 AutoShow, and we are more than pleased with the results,” says Jason Campbell, General Manager of the AutoShow. “Our manufacturer partners responded with a great selection of cars, including several seen in Canada, North America and even the world for the first time. Many of the vehicles they showcased at the AutoShow are difficult to find in showrooms today which explains why we had such enthusiasm from our consumers to see the latest and greatest the industry has to offer.
“We said it last fall when we announced the AutoShow was returning, and it holds even more true today: We’re back!”
The 2023 AutoShow was anchored by strong displays from some of the world’s leading automotive brands — including Alfa Romeo, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Genesis, GMC, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lexus,Nissan, Polestar, Ram, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Vinfast and Wagoneer — that included one global vehicle debut, a North American debut and nine Canadian debuts along with more than 75 all-electric vehicles.
Project Arrow, a concept car from a collaboration of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association and more than 50 partners, showed what the Canadian automotive sector can accomplish. The futuristic EV was loaded with technology — and the entire vehicle was conceived, designed, engineered and built in Canada entirely with Canadian parts.
There were five other concept vehicles from the manufacturers showcasing the future: Buick Wildcat, Hyundai RN22e, Hyundai N Vision 74, Nissan ARIYA Surfwagon and Nissan NISMO Off Road Frontier V8.
The 2023 AutoShow was also shown strong support from the federal and provincial governments. Several MPs and MPPs, including Premier Doug Ford and federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne, attended the event to connect with its audience of automotive enthusiasts and talk about the future of the Canadian and Ontario auto industries on the Show’s Electric City Innovation Stage, presented by the Toronto Star and EnerSavings.
This special new Electric City showcase feature put a spotlight not only on EVs, but also on vehicle charging options, green electricity and electrified micro-mobility alternatives. A repayable Government of Canada investment of $500,000 through the Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to create Electric City supports the federal mandate for zero-emission vehicles in Canada.
The luxury and exotic brands at the AutoShow were anchored by major displays from Grand Touring Automobiles and Pfaff automotive showcasing Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Polestar, McLaren and Porsche with Autostrada Magazine showcasing an array of collector car specials including a Spyker, several Ferraris and an ex F1 car from Alfa Romeo. Lotus and Tesla were also showcasing their latest and greatest.
Popular toy brands Hot Wheels and LEGO helped build a family atmosphere at the AutoShow, and fan favourite features like Auto Exotica, Cobble Beach, which presented 75 years of Porsche, and OBLIVION continued to delight fans.
Also well received by show attendees was the Accessible Mobility display with Universal Motion, showcasing how those with mobility challenges are able to regain their mobility across a range of product offerings, and the Senator APC from Mississauga-based manufacturer Roshel. The Canadian government purchased 200 of the vehicles to be sent to Ukraine as part of Canada’s contribution to the international effort in aid of that country’s defence.
“We had interactive exhibits that proved incredibly popular with show attendees,” says Mr. Campbell. “Our special features continue to draw in fans. There clearly continues to be strong interest in the AutoShow as a consumer engagement platform and great interest in the Total Automotive Experience the Auto Show delivers better than any other.”
See a recap of the 2023 AutoShow here.
The Canadian International AutoShow will return February 16th to 25th, 2024.
For more information, please visit autoshow.ca. 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.
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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
