For Immediate Release
March 28, 2019
MORE THAN 115-THOUSAND PASS THROUGH ENTRANCE GATES DURING
99th VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
Vancouver, B.C. – The Vancouver International Auto Show recorded overall attendance of more than 115,000 during the six-day event, where more than 400 vehicles were featured, including a record number of electrics and hybrids, new offerings from manufacturers never seen before in Western Canada in addition to several highlight and feature displays.
The Auto Show’s final attendance was the third-best in the 99-year history of the event and sees the last three years all cresting the 115,000 mark. This year’s total is just shy of previous record numbers achieved in 2017 and 2018, and was buoyed by a record turnout on Saturday, exceeding 30,000 guests. The overall weekend crowd totalled more than 50,000.
“The success of this event is a tribute to the automakers, dealers, collectors, volunteers and most of all – the car and truck lovers who travel from throughout the province and Pacific Northwest to celebrate everything that is automobile,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA), which owns and hosts the Auto Show. “Now our attention turns to our 100th Auto Show and rest assured, we are planning a number of special ways to both honour and to celebrate the Show’s 100-year mark, while looking ahead to the next 100 years.”
A popular feature this year was the expanded Electric Vehicle Experience (EVE) test drives, presented by CEVforBC™, and charged up by FLO . The number of drivers who got behind the wheel to test drive a variety of clean energy vehicles through the EVE Test Drive and the Toyota and Lexus Hybrid Ride and Drive, totalled 2,700 – the best participation level in history of the event. Approximately 2,500 drivers participated in 2018.
A record number of show-goers also entered a draw for the Grand Prize vehicle, an all-new 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV, courtesy of your BC Chevrolet Dealers. More than 40,300 people filled out a the ballot, with the draw taking place shortly.
“The Vancouver Auto Show has reached a new threshold, now having attracted more than 115,000 guests in each of the last three years,” said Jason Heard, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Auto Show. “However, as organizers, we can’t and won’t rest on these successes and will continue to strive to produce an event that is as captivating as possible – especially as we enter the 100th year.”
Show-stoppers included Ken Block’s heavily modified ’65 notchback Hoonicorn Mustang (for its first visit North of the Border), the Canadian made and designed Felino Supercar, and the McLaren Senna, one of the most widely anticipated supercars of the year. From an emotional perspective, nothing came close to the response received by the Van of Hope, the 1980 Ford Econoline van that supported Terry Fox during his 1980 Marathon of Hope. Whether it was people recalling where they were during that time and sharing memories or because they or family members have been touched by cancer, the van served as a source of reflection for many and is an iconic piece of Canadiana and automotive history.
It was also the first time that all fuel-source vehicles were represented on the show floor. From electric, hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell, to gas, diesel or propane powered vehicles – they were all on display at the event.
The 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show – the 100th anniversary event – is scheduled to take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre West , March 24-29, 2020.
In anticipation of the 100-year anniversary, Auto Show management is asking the public to share their favourite British Columbian automotive experiences through social media by using the following hashtag: #VanAutoShowTop100 – and Show-Management will compile the top-100 automotive events, moments and experiences to be shared in the lead up to the 2020 Auto Show, along with some special surprises!
For more detailed information about the Vancouver Auto Show, please visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com
About the Vancouver International Auto Show
The Vancouver International Auto Show is owned and operated by the New Car Dealers Association of BC (www.newcardealers.ca). It is British Columbia’s new model showcase for the Canadian automotive industry and represents more than 40 distinct brands from the world’s leading manufacturers.
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Media Inquiries
Kelly Gleeson
604.240.6231
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