TORONTO: Four straight days of record-setting crowds to open the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow set the pace for one of the strongest shows in the 45-year history of Toronto’s automotive exposition.
More than 52,000 people traveled through the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on the final Saturday. Final attendance numbers will be available Monday, but it is certain that the 2018 AutoShow will eclipse the 339,590 people who attended in 2017.
Highlights of the 2018 AutoShow’s 10-day run included:
- A total of 41 Canadian car, truck and concept vehicle unveils, including the North American debuts of the Lexus LS+ and Toyota i-TRIL concepts, the Canadian premiere of the Koenigsegg Agera RS hypercar and the reveal of the 2019 RAM 1500 Sport, a model exclusive to Canada.
- The Automotive Intelligence Series, a new public education series, brought together a wide variety of industry experts from around the world to discuss vital issues concerning the future of the automobile including electrification and autonomous technology.
- The display of 8 concept vehicles showcasing the future of automotive technology, comfort and performance.
- The Automotive Journalists Association of Canada awarding Canadian Car of the Year to the Honda Accord and the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year to the Chrysler Pacifica.
- The Art & the Automobile presented by Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance featured a tribute to iconic automotive mascots (hood ornaments) and emblems (badges)
- Recognition and appreciation of Canada’s emergency service providers and armed forces during Heroes Welcome Day.
- 50 Years of Hot Wheels, a feature display with Toronto’s largest Hot Wheels track, plus six life-size cars, including the Darth Vader car and the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS.
- 70 Years of Porsche, a special exhibit featuring five historically significant models from seven decades of the Porsche brand.
- Paul Peressotti, drawn as winner of the $176,251 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet in the TADA Rock the Road Raffle for Prostate Cancer Canada.
- Dominic Dubreuil, claimed a $5,000 cash award as the Tuner Battlegrounds: AutoShow Edition champion with his 1996 Volkswagen Jetta.
- Adrian Koniarz won a $2,000 prize for winning the eSport Gaming championship featuring Forza Motorsport 7 on the Xbox One platform.
The Canadian International AutoShow will return to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre February 15th to 24th, 2019. Please visit autoshow.ca for more information. Follow us on Instagram @cdnintlautoshow, Like us on Facebook and join the conversation on Twitter @autoshowcanada with the hashtag #CIAS2018.
About the Canadian International AutoShow
With more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 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 boasting more than 1,000 cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, fully electric and autonomous vehicles. Nearly 340,000 attended the 2017 show.