Canadian International Auto Show returns to Toronto

The Canadian International Auto Show returned once more to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre earlier in February, showcasing 44 automotive brands and several new vehicle announcements.

According to the show’s organizers, this year ‘s show over its 10-day run had some 371,559 visitors, the highest they say in its 51-year history and exceeding the 358,842 visitors in 2018 before the COVID pandemic shuttered the show for two years.

“With so many new brands adding to the roster of presenting manufacturers this year, an expanded indoor and outdoor test drive program and a diverse and well-presented series of features, our consumers came out in force,” said Jason Campbell, general manager of the AutoShow. “We had positive word-of-mouth, media coverage and social media activity from early attendees, and that helped propel us to a strong finish and a new attendance record. “We are looking forward to the challenge of creating an even bigger and better show for 2025.”

This year’s show featured several new vehicle announcements, with 31 vehicles making official debuts. These included: 2025 model year Porsche Taycan, Ford Explorer, Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, Lincoln Aviator, Subaru Forester, Toyota Crown Signia, Volvo EX90, Genesis GV80 Coupe and Kia Carnival.

A unique debut was Project Arrow, the zero-emission Canadian concept car, made in collaboration of more than 50 partners and the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association. Tesla’s much spoken about but rarely seen Cybertruck was also on display.

During the opening of the show, the winners of the 2024 Canadian Car of the Year Awards were also announced. These awards are presented annually by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). This year, the Toyota Prius got the nod as the 2024 Canadian Car of the Year; the 2024 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year was the Toyota Grand Highlander; the 2024 Canadian Electric Utility Vehicle of the Year went to the Genesis Electrified GV70; and the Genesis Electrified was awarded the 2024 Canadian Electric Car of the Year.

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The Canadian government also used to show to announce an investment of $8 million to create two live-environment piloting sites to develop and commercialize new transportation technologies and solutions. These Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Technology Pilot Zones will support some 40 small- and medium-sized businesses working towards supporting zero-emission (ZEV) and clean air vehicles (CAV), and will be located in Toronto and Windsor/Sarnia.

Filomena Tassi, federal Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and Chair of the Ontario Cabinet, were on-hand for the announcement.

“Southern Ontario plays a vital role in driving economic growth, especially when it comes to CAV and EV-related innovation and production,” said Minister Tassi, who is also the MP for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas. “OVIN’s Pilot Zones in Toronto and Windsor/Sarnia will support the testing and validating of cleaner and more efficient mobility technologies, which will help make a brighter future for us all.”