Six months from now, western Canada’s best attended trade and consumer event, the Vancouver International Auto Show, will mark its 100th anniversary and organizers of this annual event plan on marking the occasion in fine style.
The Vancouver Auto Show has always been a showcase for new technology while providing an ode to the past and this year’s celebratory event (March 25-29, 2020) will certainly put a spotlight on British Columbia’s rich automobile history, while also showcasing what’s next for the industry.
Planning for the 100th edition of the Auto Show started more than a year ago and we are excited at the prospect of showcasing many special vehicles, activations and displays.
One of the highlights will be a special procession of vehicles, representing each decade of the Show’s existence, that will wind its way through the streets of Vancouver, ending at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, to officially open the show. It is with great pleasure that the Honourary 100th Auto Show Chair and Grand Marshall of the procession will be none other than Jimmy Pattison, one of the most impactful contributors to the auto sector in Canada.
Other highlights will include a special invitational Concours style showcase that will include more than fifty special vehicles, some never previously displayed, as well as a Look To The Future display, showcasing emerging and advanced technology options for consumers.
Throughout the Province, people are passionate about automobiles. There are those who embrace the nostalgia that comes with seeing the cars or trucks of their youth or those that have been passed down through generations. Likewise, there are many visitors who come to check out the hottest supercars on display, while the Auto Show also remains the perfect venue for consumers to see all of the newest model vehicles and concept cars under one roof.
An increasingly popular feature each year is the expanded electric vehicle ride and drive event, presented by CleanBC – Go Electric, and seeing a variety of fuel powered vehicles represented on the show floor – from electric, hybrid, hydrogen-fuel cell, to gas, diesel and propane powered vehicles.
While the car shopping consumer does much of their research at home, an auto show is an important part of the shopping experience because it allows people to see things the Internet can’t show – such as….touching, feeling vehicles in person – kicking tires, sitting in the vehicle and linking your smartphone. It also gives consumers a better idea if the vehicle meets their needs in a non-pressure manner.
The 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show will be very special as we mark 100 years of automotive this special event and look at the exciting future ahead. We hope you will circle your calendar and plan to join us on March 25-29 at Vancouver Convention Centre (West) for what will me a memorable and historic occasion.
For more detailed information about the Vancouver Auto Show, March and to purchase tickets, visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com
For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit: https://carsandjobs.com/
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]
