THE 2016 MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW WAS PACKED WITH EXCITING CANADIAN REVEALS AND SURPRISES
Canadians were able to get up close and personal with several new vehicles for the first time at the 2016 Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS) held Jan. 15-24 at the Palais De Congres.
It was only fitting that the show, now in its 48th year, featured 48 Canadian premieres and two north American debuts.
Swarms of journalists were able to get a first look at the reveals on press preview day held Jan. 14.
COOL CONCEPTS, HOT EXOTICS
During some of the OEM presentations, there were surprise debuts that wowed the crowd — like the Nissan Rogue transformed into an extreme prototype.
The Nissan “Rogue Warrior” was fitted with large heavy-duty snow tracks meant to tackle Canada’s harsh winter conditions. It has the ability to drive up to 100 km/h and climb a 45 degree hill covered in snow, said Nissan.
During some of the OEM presentations, there were surprise debuts that wowed the crowd — like the Nissan Rogue transformed into an extreme prototype.
The carmaker added the prototype is a symbol of what the brand is all about — being bold, pushing the limits and dedication to quality.
The most expensive vehicle on display was the Pagani Huayra, which stole the show. This hand-built vehicle is equipped with a powerful V12 engine from Mercedes-AMG and it comes with a $2.2-million price tag.
AWARD-WINNING TECHNOLOGY
As part of press preview day, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) presented Toyota and General Motors with “Best New Technology” awards.
GM’s Rear Camera Mirror won for Best New Safety Technology and Toyota’s all-new 2016 Tacoma 6-cylinder Atkinson cycle 3.5-litre engine was awarded Best New Innovation Technology.
“GM’s Rear Camera Mirror, offered on the 2016 Cadillac CT6, displays an image on the interior rear view mirror that shows about four times larger image than a conventional mirror. The driver can see up to a 60 degree field of vision, reducing blind spots and enhancing the safety of all in the vehicle,” said Jim Kerr, chair of the AJAC tech awards jury.
Kerr added: “Toyota’s new 3.5-litre V6 combines existing port and direct fuel injection technology with Atkinson cycle engine operation for the first time in production vehicles. This innovation provides 15 per cent better fuel economy and 14 per cent more power than the previous Tacoma V6 for real life consumer benefits.”
This year, the Montreal Automobile Dealers Corporation (MADC) announced a record $702,181 was raised in support of foundations.
The ”Best New Technology” awards are part of AJAC’s annual Canadian Car of the Year Awards.
A WORTHY CAUSE
Press preview day wrapped up with some evening social events, including an exclusive cocktail party hosted by BMO at its head office.
Dealers and auto industry officials then headed off to the 12th annual Charity Preview Evening back at Palais De Congres, a glitzy evening event filled with gourmet food, beverages and other festivities.
Nearly 4,000 auto industry officials were invited to take a sneak-peak at the cars before the auto show opened its doors to the public.
Proceeds from the event typically go towards local hospitals and other foundations.
This year, the Montreal Automobile Dealers Corporation (MADC) announced a record $702,181 was raised in support of foundations including CHUM, Pierre-Boucher, the Montreal Heart Institute, Sacred Heart and Santa-Cabrini.
Electric vehicles spark interest
Electric vehicles, like the redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Volt, also took the spotlight in Montreal.
Showgoers were even able to test drive a fleet of electric vehicles in a bid to help encourage widespread adoption in the province of Quebec.
During the auto show, auto industry associations were also working hard to make EVs more popular on Canadian roads.
Mark Nantais president ACCV, Loulia Kouchaji Analyst Policy and Commercial issues Global Automakers of Canada and Me Jacques Bechard président CCAQ
The Corporation des Concessionnaires d’Automobiles du Québec (CCAQ), along with the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association (CVMA) and the Global Automakers of Canada, met with carmakers to discuss technology and its impact on EVs.
“We’re here to recognize and acknowledge Quebec has been blessed with very green power,” said Mark Nantais, President of CVMA, and added electric vehicles are a good fit for the province.
The meeting addressed the tough standards automakers must adopt to cut vehicle emissions between 2017-2025, and the ways the industry can meet the requirements with electric vehicles being one possible solution.
While EV sales have been strong in Quebec and British Columbia, they make up only a fraction of the market.
Most of the popular initiatives to boost sales include incentive programs, scrappage programs, access to High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, and significant investment in infrastructure. Jacques Bechard, CEO of CCAQ, added the provincial association has launched a website to help Quebec car buyers connect with local dealers.
Nantais wants EVs to become as common as gasoline-powered vehicles. “This is all about consumer confidence,” said Nantais.
