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Canadian International Auto Show
It?s a classic understatement to say that Canadians are different than Americans. Although Canada is a nation of extraordinary achievements in business, arts, diplomacy, politics, science and high tech, we Canadians are not prone to boasting about our accomplishments.
I propose that we shake off our national modesty, at least from February 18th to 27th, to trumpet one of the world?s most successful consumer tradeshows ? the Canadian International Auto Show (www.autoshow.ca).
It?s called the Canadian International Auto Show, and NOT the Toronto Auto Show, for good reason. In 2001, Toronto competed with Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and other major cities, to be given international designation by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (O.I.C.A).
Toronto beat out every one of these other cities to gain international status for its auto show. Toronto now shares elite company with Tokyo, Paris, Frankfurt, Geneva and Detroit. In fact, Toronto and Detroit are the only two International Auto Shows in North America.
What?s so special about the Canadian International Auto Show? This is the largest, internationally sanctioned auto show in North America, and it?s the largest consumer show of any kind in Canada, in size and attendance. The show encompasses approximately 850,000 square feet of the North and South Metro Convention Centres and Skydome.
In 2004, attendance was 310,000 - the fifth year in a row of record attendance. If Old Man Winter cooperates, this should be the sixth consecutive year. That?s worth a little boasting!
Auto manufacturers from around the world are thrilled to showcase their vehicles (including many new models) at the Canadian International Auto Show. More than 150 exhibitors will feature a stellar line-up of cars, prototypes, concepts, classics, sport compacts, trucks and 4x4s. This year, 33 brand new vehicles, never before seen in Canada, will be premiered at the show.
If you?re in the market for a new vehicle, the Canadian International Auto Show is the ideal place to view the latest models and to talk to auto representatives. Eighty-nine percent of attendees state that the show is ?helpful to very helpful? in deciding which new vehicle to purchase. Where else can you see so many choices at one location?
The show offers a fascinating blend of proven attractions and new features. The Staples Classic Car Collection is back with added ?wow? factor. The Castrol Sport Compact Revolution (launched in 2003) encompasses an entire level of the Skydome and is dedicated to the fastest growing segment of the auto industry ? the youth ?tuner? market (mid-size vehicles usually powered by modified four or six cylinder engines).
New features at this year?s show include: Cruise Nationals, which will exhibit classic vehicles from car and truck enthusiasts across Ontario, and the Toyota Truck Test Track, a track of rugged outdoor terrain that allows show visitors to actually test drive Toyota?s new selection of trucks. Also new for 2005, NASCAR roars into the show with the NASCAR Pavilion, a truly interactive display of all that is NASCAR racing.
Since 2000, automotive design has been the major focus at the show. BIG ON DESIGN is the show?s theme for 2005. In keeping with this theme, 28 design schools will participate in the World Automotive Design Competition and a winner will be chosen on February 17th. If you are feeling lucky, there are numerous opportunities to win hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of great prizes and new vehicles, sponsored by various manufacturers and dealer marketing groups.
When you visit the show, plan on staying for about two to four hours. For your convenience, there is the Volkswagen Children?s Play Centre Area; Nissan is providing free parking all day Saturday, Sunday and weeknights from 6:00 pm; and online ticketing is available for convenient, at-home ticket purchasing and express admission to the show.
The downtown bars and restaurants will not be packed with game-going Leaf fans, so why not enjoy some food and beverages before or after the show?
Am I proud to be a Canadian, and proud of our Canadian International Auto Show? You bet, as are my colleagues, the over 340 New Car Dealers in the GTA. You will be, too, when you visit the show. See you there!
Ken Shaw Jr. is President of the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association and is a new-car dealer in Toronto. E-mail comments to president@tada.ca
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