The 2012 Edmonton Motorshow drew in a crowd of 71,395 over four days of events and exhibits in March at the Edmonton Expo Centre. “We were very pleased with the turnout,” says show organizer and executive manager Bob Vila of the Edmonton Motor Dealers Association, which hosts the event.
This year’s tally is about the same as last year, Vila estimates, however the show battled against some stiff competition as three large sporting events were on-going in the area and shared parking venues with the auto show.
A strong show line-up featuring good entertainment value for the dollar and the appeal to all age groups, plus families, was able to entice show-goers into the area, he says. This year’s show showcased new 2013 vehicles and was spread over 500,000 square feet of space.
New 2013 vehicles on display included: Acura’s RDX and ILX models; BMW’s 3 Series (6th generation); Ford’s Escape, Mustang and Fusion; and the Lincoln MKS; Chevrolet’s Malibu, Spark, Camaro ZL1 and Corvette; Buick’s Verano and Regal GS; Infiniti’s JX; the new Lexus GS; Mazda CX5; Mercedes Benz B-Class; Mini roadster; and Volvo XC90.
The collectors’ car auction, held over a three-day period, offered both early-model restored vehicles and restomod vehicles, one of the hottest growth categories amongst collectors. Restomod vehicles have the original body restored but newer updated engines and other mechanical aspects. The auction created interest with collectors and car buffs as 107 vehicles — some from the 1920s and 1930s — went on the block. Three vehicles sold for more than $80,000, Vila says. “It’s become a popular attraction with our patrons,” says Vila of the auction, which was also held last year.
This year, a total of 58,000 square feet was dedicated to the “after-market” section, an area full of new vehicle products and demonstrations by local product manufacturers and dealers. “There was someone demonstrating a $10 car wax and someone demonstrating a $1,500 car wax,” Vila says. Since Edmonton is truck country, says Vila, there were “very cool” displays of product and maintenance items for truck owners who had an opportunity to talk directly with suppliers.
Ladies Night this year featured something unique. “We had a ladies vehicle maintenance clinic and it was given by a lady,” says Vila. “We tied it in with a spa package — but the package was for their car. It went over very well.”
Family entertainment is essential to a car show today, says Vila. “You really can’t make a family car purchase today without considering the needs of the whole family.” As a result, the show and the show’s exhibitors brought forward a number of interesting venues on site. “Ford had six or seven elements within their booth that were interactive,” he says, and appealed to all members of the family. The GM booth, he says, had a technician dismantling and assembling a diesel pickup engine, a hands-on attraction that brought many diesel pick-up owners over to watch.
“We are now looking forward to planning next year’s show,” says Vila.
