The 2024 Canadian International Autoshow is back in Toronto. Motoring enthusiasts, buyers, market analysts, influencers and tourist all congregate at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for this years show. The show promises to be a motoring buffet to the consumer and enthusiast. New technology and innovation are showcased together with the exotic and historic cars under one roof. For 2024, the show boasts the largest indoor test track for EV vehicles and also has constructed an indoor obstacle course named ‘Camp Jeep’. Passengers can ride in the hybrid Jeeps as they negotiate the indoor circuit. Full disclosure here, I was lured in by the exotic and unusual vehicles at the show, don’t judge me. Like most, I am a knowledgeable consumer but as my wife reminds me, I am not really allowed to be an enthusiast. My teenage son and his friends can get excited about ambient or accent LED lighting together with multiple computer screen dash technology and back lit buttons. I joke with them how a kitten chases the dot of a laser pointer. They Harshly think that I am a Luddite. I just know from my youth driving Mini Coopers and MG’s. Many emergency fixes could be achieved at the side of the road with a piece of wire or a roll of electrical tape to get you going again. If I would need to expedite a fix at the side of the road with my best shirt and pants on and not the day in my scruffy jeans. Not many, if any, of these work arounds and temporary patches could be achieved today which means stranded to some of us older people. I do not believe that as owners we are very welcome to look under the hood of these modern machines. No more is there some weekend tinkering and fettling with an oily rag armed with a can of WD40. Anyway, I digress, so let’s get into it.
Electrification
Overwhelmingly and expectedly, the large manufacturers are showcasing their innovations in EV technology. Today even the hybrid vehicles are seeming to be getting a downgraded backseat in favour of the plug-in rechargeables. The momentum to improve with clean and sustainable solutions to our problems has to be encouraged. Key points that all manufacturers are unanimously trying to conquer consumer skepticism. Some consumers are reluctant because of questions over cost, practicality, driving experience and longevity of the products. The indoor test track gives the manufacturers the opportunity to get drivers in the seat behind the wheel. The track is a great idea as the reality is that many drivers have yet to drive EV or even hybrid vehicles. As an indoor event in the Canadian winter the opportunity to set up an outside circuit is limited. There are concerns that the EV is not a long-term solution to the environmental issues. The total cost of ownership from raw materials mining, processing plants, manufacture, international shipping into ownership cost, charging and maintenance to beyond the working life of the vehicle. That life includes recyclability and any toxic legacy issues which seem to be still on the table for resolution. Considering that fuel cell technology is still being explored, it looks like the EV is a stepping stone and might not be the end game. Manufacturers being more transparent about the ‘cradle to grave’ lifecycle of their products can only serve to help consumer confidence as they fear a lot of ‘Greenwashing’. The Diesel emissions scandal did not help. I do believe that consumer concerns are being listened to and addressed. We can only encourage more technology, innovation and investment.
Childs Play
Fun exhibits are always welcome. Lego are masters at bringing the fun with engineering amazement. With decades of vehicle modelling. Lego has a custom low rider car and the full-scale Lego Lamborghini Sián FKP 37. It would not be a car show without Mattel and Hot Wheels. One of their center piece attractions is Barbie’s ’57 Chevy Corvette inspired by the Barbie Movie. Hot Wheels inspiration is legendary. Street customs have become Hot Wheels scale models. Fantasy custom Hot Wheels scale models have moved custom builders to engineer street legal show cars of the designs. The Little Car Company from the UK have wonderful scale driving cars. Hand crafted these vehicles are just a magnet. I could only think that you would need more then one to drive around with some friends.
Brands and Manufacturers
All the expected brands from the USA, especially the big three and the Asian manufacturers are in the house. Brands from Europe and Scandinavian are obviously a bit more limited. I think that I counted around 50 manufacturers represented either by the dealer network or the manufacturer themselves. Front and center for the big SUV and luxury pickups seems to be the EV version of old gas favorite sellers. Such vehicles as the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Ford Expedition and the F Series, Dodge Ram, Toyota all feature EV technology vehicles. GMC resurrected the Hummer brand and is displaying both the SUV and pickup version of the EV Hummer. The EV Hummer has been a controversial introduction for GMC as it brings into question the practicality of the vehicle, safety of other road users, and environmental impact. Infiniti unveil the Vision Qe concept car at the Toronto show which is expected the first EV car for the company. More low-key design showings can be seen from Volvo and Polestar which appear to be very unadorned designs in contrast to most of the vehicles on display. No North American car show is complete without a Corvette Stingray or two on display from Chevrolet. A very big display from the Vietnamese automaker Vinfast who are determined to grow in the American market. So great to see new competition in the market at any stage especially a manufacturer that is offering a 10-year / 200,000km warranty.
Automotive Eye-candy and the Exotic Fun Stuff
A fantastic main course from all the manufacturers but there is always desert. The fantastic designs of the exotic brands are always nice to get and see. There is no doubt that the exotic Supercars, and Hyper-cars are crowd pleasing viewing. Included in the more exotic viewing are McLaren, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bugatti, Aston Martin, Rimac, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Pagani, and Porsche. One of the main feature displays is by ‘Grand Touring Automobiles’. Front and center of the Porsche display is the Vision Gran Turismo. A car that has been created in the real world for use in a video game Gran Turismo 7 on PlayStation. Porsche is very high profile as they are expecting the grand opening of their Porsche Experience in Toronto this year. Center piece of there display is Romain Dumas’s record breaking 911 that climbed Ojos del Salado in Chile.
Heading Home
Overall, a great show this year. Attendance to the show has been very busy. Without doubt there is interest in how the automotive industry is changing. It is a slow but sure revolution. I certainly have enjoyed seeing the vehicles and ironically, I head home on the public transit. The 2024 Canadian International Autoshow runs from 16 – 25 February at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The opinions shared are mine based on my first-hand experience. Your opinions and experience could be the same or different. I was not paid, endorsed or sponsored by anyone, including The Canadian International Autoshow, its sponsors or affiliates to visit the venue. It was an independent choice and my visit was funded from my personal account. Images taken at the show ©Roy Boyce.
Roy Boyce,
Freelance Photographer
Luddite: one of a group of early 19th century English workmen destroying laborsaving machinery as a protest
broadly : one who is opposed to, especially technological, change