After some difficult years in the car business, it seems recently that things are turning around. This year’s Canadian International Auto Show continued the trend, with some 40 new Canadian vehicle premieres, including a number of highly anticipated new models. At a social media boot camp event in Toronto today, auto show organizers reported that the show was tracking to have record levels of attendance.
Kicking off with the annual Canadian Car of the Year Awards, Hyundai scooped best car for the 2012 Elantra, while Volkswagen won the Utility category for its Touareg Clean Diesel. General Motors also scooped an award for Best New Technology for its Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle.
Actual production vehicle unveilings began with Toyota, which revealed the Scion FR-S, along with its new Prius c Hybrid. Other significant introductions included the Acura ILX and RDX, Audi All-Road, BMW M5, Cadillac XTS, Dodge Dart, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Veloster Turbo and Genesis Coupe, Kia Rio, Lincoln MKT, Mercedes-Benz SL 550, Mini Roadster and Volkswagen Passat CC.
Other standouts included the Acura NSX supercar concept, Aston-Martin’s One-77, BMW’s Vision ConnectedDrive speedster concept, Jaguar’s stunning CX-16 two-seater concept, the Lotus Evora S and an ultra rare Pagani Zonda. How this year’s show will translate into the traditional spring selling season remains to be seen (attendance numbers were not in at press time), though considering the mood at the event, there’s every indication that dealers could see an increase in demand as the weather warms up.
Stay tuned for more CIAS 2012 show coverage from Canadian auto dealer.
