Toronto, Ontario — February 26, 2018 — Four straight days of record-setting crowds to open the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow set the pace for one of the strongest events 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 not be available until Monday, but it is certain that this year’s 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 set of public education seminars, brought together an array of international industry experts to discuss the future of the automobile, from electrification to autonomous technology.
- The display of eight concept vehicles showcasing the future of automotive technology, comfort and performance.
- The Automotive Journalists Association of Canada awarding Canadian Car of the Year, which went to the Honda Accord and the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, awarded 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.
