In a sign of resurgence in the auto industry, regional auto shows are scheduled to make a return in three key Canadian cities in 2024 – Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa. Exhibitions in these cities are expected to take place from March 7 to 24, according to official announcements.
Exotic cars at the 2023 Montreal Auto Show | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
Calgary International Auto and Truck Show, despite having one less day compared to past years, is forging ahead with a robust backing from the Calgary Motor Dealers Association (CMDA), with over 25 brands committed. Jim Gillespie, the executive manager of CMDA and the show manager, affirmed that they are expecting a versatile representation from luxury, exotic, and heavy truck sectors.
One significant adaptation due to the continued construction at the Calgary BMO centre will be a reduction in available floor space, with electric vehicles claiming a significant share. To tackle the space constraints, the show will introduce a new booth system, limiting each exhibitor to 5,000 square feet (465 square meters), giving flexibility to exhibitors to utilize the space as they wish.
Further enhancing the EV attraction, according to Automotive News Canada, Calgary will feature a 25,000-square-foot indoor EV test track. This new addition draws inspiration from the Toronto, Montreal, and Los Angeles auto shows, the latter having convinced Gillespie of the feature’s popularity.
Simultaneously, the much-anticipated Vehicles and Violins Charity Gala will make its return on March 6, with proceeds benefiting the CMDA Charity Foundation. Gillespie stressed his focus on utilizing the event’s proceeds to bolster the CMDA’s Tools for Schools program, which supports automotive education in Calgary high schools.
Vancouver’s show, managed by the New Car Dealers of B.C., will see a revival of special exhibits and modifications in their EV ride-and-drive feature to increase customer comfort, according to president Blair Qualey. Despite limited information, the signs point to a promising event with increasingly positive feedback from automakers.
Meanwhile, information on the Ottawa event remains sparse as organizers were unavailable for comment. Despite this, the return of these auto shows symbolizes a turning point for the industry, reflecting an air of resilience and a dedication to continual evolution.
