Credit: autoshow.ca
Though the Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) was cancelled for 2022, the organizers plan to go to other smaller motoring events to keep consumers engaged.
CIAS General Manager Jason Campbell said although the rapidly spreading COVID-19 variant Omicron forced the cancellation of the event, it may surface in conjunction with some of its partners that annually have car shows.
“Maybe during the year we’ll look at supporting a number of micro events with our auto show community and bringing interesting automotive stories and topics to the eyes and ears of all of our consumers so we can stay in their minds as we prepare for 2023,” said Campbell.
He mentioned events such as the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Ontario, which showcases rarely-seen automobiles for a two-day festival in September. The show promotes itself annually at the CIAS with a room full of classic cars from various decades.
Campbell also mentioned some car and coffee events done by Autostrada, which also has event space at the CIAS.
Last year, the CIAS considered doing a virtual show in combination with the Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS), which precedes it by a month in January, but the OEMs were not interested. Campbell said the virtual show idea will not be explored this year, but he will also not preclude the CIAS from sharing news and stories from the industry on its website throughout the year.
The CIAS is considered the biggest event on the Canadian auto show calendar, with crowds averaging more than 330,000. It is also the biggest consumer show in the country.
